Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Alaigbo Development Foundation, ADF, Saturday inaugurated its new national leadership at the Michael Okpara Auditorium Umuahia, Abia State.
This is as the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, who was a special guest at the event, has called for unity among Ndigbo.
The inauguration of the new national executive of the ADF coincided with the 10th anniversary of the socio-cultural organisation founded by Professor Uzodinma Nwala.
Nze Coleman Emeka Chukudelunzu, who emerged the new National President of ADF, was sworn into office along other members of the national executive.
In his remark, the pioneer President of ADF, Professor Nwala, said the socio-cultural organisation was set up with the primary objective of galvanising Igbo stakeholders for the development of Alaigbo.
Meanwhile, the new national President Chukudelunzu, while speaking, harped on the need for Ndigbo to unite as one people and advance the cause of the group.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Chairman of the event, Maj General Chris Eze (retd.), commended the doggedness of Ndigbo to overcome the challenges of the civil war.
Speaking at the event, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Obi, regretted the lack of courageous people who can speak truth to power.
Obi also regretted that public office holders in the country, are more obsessed with looting of public funds, instead of working for the masses.
He said that while he was the Governor of Anambra State, he never embezzled public funds but used it to serve the people.
Obi who also said he neither owed workers, pensioners nor contractors, charged public office holders to use the people’s money to work for them.
He traced Nigeria’s problems to greed among public office holders who rather prefer to amass wealth at the expense of the people.
The former Governor challenged Nigerians to stop singing the praises of their leaders but tell them the truth they need to hear for the good of society.
He said: “What we lack in Nigeria is people who can tell you you are wrong when you are. Leaders are bound to listen to the people because the people put them in the office.
“Leaders must use public money for public purpose.
“When I was in public office, I used public money for public purpose. I made sure I used the people’s money for them.
“I did not spend any Kobo for personal gain. I didn’t take it owing pensions, gratuities. I did not owe any contractor. Now in private life I can do whatever I like with my money.”
Obi who said that he left behind $150m for the state called for prayers for leaders so they would serve selflessly.
He advised Government to collaborate with socio-cultural organisations on how to develop the country.
Obi encouraged ADF to continue its advocacy and sensitisation of Ndigbo for advancing the cause of the Igbo nation.
He also preached unity among Ndigbo.
