The youth wing of the Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide on Thursday expressed its support for the rotation of the Office of the President General of the apex Igbo socio-cultural group, as provided in its constitution.
Following the demise of the late President General of the group, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, who hailed from Imo State, there have been internal wranglings among some of the ranks, hence the need for the youth group to voice their stand.
The acting National Youth Leader of the Ohaneze Ndigbo, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, who addressed journalists after the 57th National Executive Committee of the group held in Enugu, regretted what he called the perceived rascality by some members of National Executive Committee, NEC of the pro-Igbo group.
These NEC members he noted, have tilted contrary to the provisions of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Constitution on its leadership, and tend to drift Ohanaeze Ndigbo into a leadership crisis.
Okpalaezeukwu called on the Statutory Members of Ime Obi Ohanaeze Ndigbo, to urgently respond to the antics of these NEC to save Ohanaeze Ndigbo from the impending leadership crisis.
According to the Ohaneze Youths, the Constitution was clear on the succession line and the provisions therein should be followed.
“In line with provisions of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Constitution Article 13, 2nd paragraph, ‘in the absence of President General and Deputy President General, the Vice President General whose state is next in alphabetical order shall Act’.
“On this note and in consideration of the Timeline, we hereby call on the Vice President General Abia State, to as a matter of necessity and Law, take charge of Ohaneze leadership as the Acting President General, and pilot the affairs of the National Executive Committee (NEC) until the emergence of a consensus President General and Deputy President General from Imo and Rivers States respectively.
“In further delay and unwarranted procrastination by the Vice President General Abia State, we urge other Vice Presidents General to, in line with the provisions of the Constitution and alphabetical order, take responsibility and provide leadership for the National Executive Committee (NEC) of Ohanaeze Ndigbo,” he said.
The youths also called on the Economic and Financial Crime Commission EFCC and sister Agencies to investigate the activities of the account officer of Ohanaeze Ndigbo- the Secretary General, Mr. Okey Emuchay, over the alleged financial embezzlement and misappropriation.
They affirmed that it is the turn of Igbos in Rivers State to produce the next President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, after Imo State.
“This provision is sacrosanct and any attempt of compromise shall be met with stiff resistance.
“We therefore urge other organs of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and limited to the Ime Obi, Executive Committee of Ohanaeze Ndigbo at the State and LGA levels, Council Of Ndi Eze, Elders Council and the Women Wing to rise up to the occasion and provide Leadership for Ndigbo at this crucial moment,” they said.
The youths further expressed appreciation to Ndigbo and other Nigerians, especially President Bola Tinubu and the South East Governors led by Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, for the resounding and befitting funeral accorded to the late Ohaneze Ndigbo President General- Chief Iwuanyanwu.