In response to recent news circulating regarding Chief Engr. Dr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the organization has expressed its concern over sensationalized press coverage aimed at selling newspapers. Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide firmly asserts that the notion of setting aside the issue of Igbo presidency is a baseless claim propagated by ill-intentioned news outlets.
Chief Engr. Dr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide
During an interview granted by Engr. Iwuanyanwu on Tuesday, July 2, 2023, he took the opportunity to address the key issues driving the Igbo community’s enthusiasm for the presidency in 2023. The Naijatweet report captured the essence of the discussion, stating that the Igbos believed it was their rightful turn to produce the next President after an extended wait since 1979. Iwuanyanwu highlighted that the Igbo region has consistently supported previous Presidents from the South and emphasized that the Igbo people have been deprived of holding top-level positions since the handover of power to civilians in 1979.
Referring to the unfortunate denial of victory to his close friend Moshood Abiola in the 1993 Presidential election, Iwuanyanwu expressed his unwavering support for Abiola and his disappointment in the subsequent appointment of Chief Ernest Shonekan, a Yoruba, as the head of the Interim National Government. He then highlighted the presidencies of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo from the South West and Goodluck Jonathan from the South-South, along with the vice presidency of Yemi Osinbajo from the South West, as evidence that the Presidency has rotated within the southern regions. With the Presidency once again being zoned to the South, the Igbo people rightfully believe it is their turn.
Iwuanyanwu made it clear that he had personally contested the presidency three times and had decided to no longer pursue that ambition. He emphasized that his personal friendship with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu would not overshadow the aspirations and justifications of the people of the South East. He expressed surprise that an Igbo leader would suggest putting aside the issue of the presidency, especially when Peter Obi’s impressive exploits were gaining traction at the Presidential Election Petition Court in Abuja. Therefore, the suggestion to disregard the issue of the Igbo presidency is nothing more than false news and baseless speculation.
Since assuming office as the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Iwuanyanwu has consistently advocated for a transformative philosophical framework that would bring about positive change in Igbo Land. He firmly believes that the Igbo possess the disruptive ingenuity necessary to transform the region into an economic hub for the entire continent of Africa. Ahaejiagamba passionately reminds the Igbo people that this is a challenging period that, with God’s help, they will ultimately overcome.
This was contained in a story written by Dr. Chiedozie Alex Ogbonnia, the National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
SKJ