By Abuchi Ifesinachi,Awka
The world Igbo day 2014 which was held at Dr Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka, Anambra state today witnessed the absence of all the South East Governors and political heavy weights.
The crowd at the event was not encouraging as only the former Minister of Aviation, Chief Mbazurike Amechi and the former Ohanaeze President General, Dr. Dozie Ikedife were the notable figures in attendance.
One of the organizers of the Igbo day event, who did not want his name in print, told 247ureports, that the absence of the Governors and no turn out of people was as a result of the national awards honours ceremony by the president, Goodluck Jonathan at Abuja today.
Even the chairman of the event in Awka, Prince Arthur Eze did not attend, which forced Ohaneze group to use Ikedife as the acting chairman.
However, security was tight at the event with all women groups and traditional dancers from across the five eastern states including Rivers, Bayelsa and Delta States in attendance.
AREWA Consultative Forum (ACF) was represented by Rev. Samuel Audu, who called for the unity of the country, adding that all the groups in the country should join hands for a better society.
Also, Yoruba Youth Council (YYC) was represented by Hon. Husseni Abiola while the Ijaw National congress (INC) was represented by Engr. Ebieridei Charles Ambacowei, the groups Vice president.
Few traditional rulers came from all the states which were led by the chairman in the zone, Eze Cletus Ilomuanya.
The president of Ohaneze Ndigbo in Anambra state, Elder Chris Eluemunoh, who doubled as the chairman, organizing committee in his address, commended the state Governor, Chief Willie Obiano for his enormous contribution towards the Igbo day celebration.
He said 2014 marked the 100 years of the birth of Nigeria, adding that it was a significant year to Igbo as they ought to look back at their past journey so far and map out a direction for a new century.
Furthermore, Eluemunoh said there was need for economic empowerment of Ndigbo to enable them participate fully in the transformation that is now taking place in Nigeria under Jonathan.
The president general Ohaneze, chief Gary Enwo Igariwey reiterated that for equity and justice, Ndigbo would seek the office of president of Nigerian at the expiration of Jonathan’s tenure.
He said it had been the position of Ohaneze Ndigbo since 2010, adding that it remained unchanged.
Furthermore, he said Ndigbo would continue to build bridges with other ethnic nationalities towards the cause.
“Our strength should come from our demographic weight spread all over the country, very soon, after consultation, our people will be called upon to speak with one voice in the issue of president, we did it before and we can do it again”
“The security situation in some parts of the country has exposed our people to clear dangers both in their lives and investments”
“With the escalating body counts from the violence and incendiary rhetorics from discredited politicians who continue to fuel the fire of anti-Igbo hatred, the time to think home is now” Igariwey said
Meanwhile, the Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) has warned its leader, Chief Ralph Uwazurike that the era of using Biafra or the group to harass and intimidate Ndigbo was over.
The group spoke today through its suspended National director of information, Uchenna Madu in Awka, during the Igbo day 2014 celebration.
Madu while speaking with Newsmen today, said that Ndigbo should know that the MASSOB’s struggle for Biafra was not a one man show rather, a collective struggle.
He said that MASSOB had been under bondage for the past 15 years because of the way it was piloted, adding that the struggle would take a new dimension soon.
Madu said that the new dimension of MASSOB would now involve leaders of thought, Igbo leaders, traditional rulers among others.
