Igbo Summit in Owerri, November 2012

IGBO SUMMIT IN OWERRI

THEME: OSITADIMMA

CONVENERS:

NDIGBO COUNCIL FOR NATIONAL COORDINATION

(NCNC)

Venue: Imo Concord Hotel, Owerri

Time: 10:00am prompt

Date: 17^th November, 2012

PROSAL FOR IGBO SUMMIT IN OWERRI

Background: 2015 Elections are by the corner again, Nigerians will go to the polls in 2015 less than 36 months from now. Preparations are in high gear. Geopolitical Zones, individuals, groups, cooperate bodies, political parties/Associates, pressure Groups and NGO`S are jostling, planning and scheming on how to participate, influence and reflect their interests and policies in the scheme of things come 2015. A lot of coalitions are  in the making. However, in all these hustling and bustling, NDIGBO appears to be  complacent at what goes around. What any keen observer sees among NDIGBO are discordant tunes and conduct that make  a mockery of their political relevance, huge investment, and contribution to the social, economic and physical development of their host states in Nigeria. “Ebe Onye no, Ka Ona-awachi”

Observation and the Hard Realities on Ground

1. Ndigbo constitute about 40% of the registered voters in Nigeria before the 2011 election
2. The 60% of the current registered voters in Lagos, Rivers State and Abuja are Ndigbo while in other states of the federation after the indigenes the next in numerical strength are the Igbos.
3. That irrespective of their numerical strength, politically, Onye-Igbo cannot aspire to any elective positions, including party offices.
4. What becomes of the huge Igbo investments and future of the children of Ndigbo given his trend of politics in the recent past? This is a pertinent question, every foresighted Igbo man in Nigeria must address.
5. Despite the enormous contributions to socio-economic and physical development to our host states Ndigbo are neglected, marginalized and discriminated against in the distribution of dividends of democracy.

A few people are placed at the turning point of history to make a change, as we have been placed today. This, therefore, makes “the Ndigbo summit a necessity. This  body shall:

1. Organize and mobilize the Igbos towards issues related to 2015 politics, voters registration and power shift to South-East Geopolitical Zone.
2. To sanitize and expose Ndigbo to the real politics of Nigeria.
3. To educate Ndigbo on the need to get registered and use their votes responsibly.
4. To educate  Ndigbo to participate in partisan politics, by not only voting but  vying for and sponsoring candidates for party and elective positions in Nigeria.
5. To charge Ndigbo to be alive to their civic and political duties to themselves and the host communities.

The Self Evident Truth:

There is a well thought out plan and deliberate scheme to perpetually exclude Onye-Igbo from the scheme of things irrespective of his economic/social contributions in the development of Nigeria.

It is also true that the Igbo either by commission or against the philosophy of “Onye Ajuru Adighi  Aju Onwe Ya” has grossly contributed to his plight through inexplicable display of ignorance, apathy and unpardonable display of selfish interest by the few who exploit the situation of things in Nigeria to feather their nest.

We are aware that one of the major problems of Nigeria`s present political leadership is what to do or not to do with the Igbo (Ndigbo)

We know that  the worst sin against a fellow man is not to his person but to be indifferent to his existence and aspiration. It is also true that exclusion from power and conduct of public affairs is exclusion from the benefits of power.

Therefore, it is imperative that Onye-Igbo rediscovers himself.

Theme:                    OSITADIMMA

Papers to be presented by the following:

Chairman`s Opening Address-

His Excellency Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, First Executive Governor Old Abia State, The First Chairman Conference of Nigeria Elected Governors and the present National Chairman All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP)

Keynote Address –

His Excellency Dr. Chukwuemeka P. Ezeife (Okwadike Igbo Ukwu) First Elected Executive Governor Anambra State, Former Political Adviser to the President Federal Republic of Nigeria.

PARTICIPANTS ARE DRAWN FROM:

1. Igbo leaders of thought in Nigeria.
2. Professionals in the  key sectors of the economy from Igbo extraction in Nigeria e.g. Banking, Telecommunication, Industry, Trade and Commerce, etc.
3. Elites – politicians, religious leaders, academicians and captains of industries.
4. Chairmen and secretaries of Igbo villages and town unions in Nigeria.
5. Chairpersons and secretaries of market and traders associations in Nigeria.
6. Chairpersons and secretaries of social/cultural, political associations and pressure groups of Igbo origin in Nigeria, the traditional rulers in Igboland.
7. The Eze ndigbo and Eze Udos in Nigeria.
8. Igbo political aspirants in Nigeria.
9. Igbo students
10. Igbo youths and other stake holders

Objectives:

(i)           To brief participants on the going’s on in the country particularly as it concerns voter’s registration, and power shift to South East and sensitize them on the expected roles and positions of Ndigbo.

(ii)          To sensitize  participants on the need to get organized and apply their political strength  in National politics, peacefully and responsibly.

(iii)        To brainstorm and come out with mutually acceptable mechanism and strategies to participate and be relevant in Nigerian politics.

Discussants

1. Prof. Pita Ejiofor

Vice Chancellor- Emeritus,

Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka

Chairman, Sabakwa Igbo, Nigeria.

1. Prof. Alvan Awuzie

The immediate past President of ASUU

Vice  Chancellor Imo State University

1. Garry Igarowe
2. Archbishop Chukwuma

The Diocesan Archbishop of Anglican Communion of Enugu State

1. Monsignor Gabriel Osu

Catholic Secretariat Lagos

Date: 17^th November, 2012

Venue: Concord Hotel, Owerri

Time: 10:00a.m to 5:00 a.m.

SIGNED BY: CHIEF JOHN UCHE,

CHAIRMAN SUMMIT ORGANIZATION COMMITTEE