Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has charged the leadership of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, to always place the collective interest of Ndigbo above their personal interests.
Governor Otti gave the charge at the inauguration of the newly-elected executives of the Abia State chapter of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, held in Umuahia.
The Governor, represented by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, stressed the need for them to articulate the Igbo interest at all times.
Governor Otti, who noted that emerging as leaders of Ohanaeze Ndigbo is a herculean task, said they are representing the interest of a large number of people and therefore should dedicate themselves to the service of Ndigbo.
He discouraged them from pursuing personal interests but focus on speaking for Ndigbo wherever they find themselves.
Governor Otti thanked the committee that came from the national office of Ohanaeze Ndigbo for a job well done and congratulated the new officials on their emergence.
Speaking earlier, the leader of the national committee on the election, Bishop Sunday Onuoha, said that there was need for a new executive to emerge as the tenure of the outgoing state officials had elapsed.
He stressed on the need for a peaceful process of selection and inauguration and said that the new executive would be representing the state at the forthcoming election of the new officials of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo world wide.
Also, the outgoing state president of Abia chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Okey Paul, harped on the need for a peaceful process of selecting new leaders and said that the most important thing is that it is a service to Ndigbo. He urged all to put Abia’s interest first.
Responding, the newly inaugurated state president of Abia state chapter, Dr. Chukwuemeka Okwuonu, assured that they would protect the slogan of Ohanaeze Ndigbo “Igwe Bu Ike” (unity is strength).
While assuring that he would represent Abia very well in the apex Igbo socio- cultural organisation, Dr. Okwuonu promised to ensure that Ohanaeze Ndigbo fares better under his watch.
The newly inaugurated state officers include: the Deputy Chairman – Chika Ibeku; 1st Vice Chairman – Nnenna Orieji; State Secretary – Innocent Adiele; Publicity secretary – Godwin Adindu; Assistant Publicity Secretary – Sam Obinna Ibe; among others.
