The Civil Society Support For Igboland Development (CSSID), an NGO, has thrown its weight behind the candidature of the formal Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mike Okiro, as Ohanaeze Ndigbo President-General.
The group described Okiro as a unifier and bridge builder whose well established contacts and connections, reliable working relationships across Nigeria and the world would attract sustainable goodwill for Igbos at home and abroad.
Mazi Chidike Ukoh, the Convener of CSSID, said this in a statement on Thursday in Enugu.
It would be recalled that the election has been scheduled to take place on Jan. 10 by the Ohanaeze Imeobi and it had zoned the next President-General position to Rivers State.
Ukoh disclosed that Okiro, as Nigeria’s first IGP of Igbo extraction, a lawyer, author and quintessential Security Chief, was far better and technically equipped for the job as a grassroots mobiliser.
“It is therefore within our civic mandate and duty as a responsible Civil Society body of experienced compatriots to lead the cause of relevant sensitization to enable Ndi Igbo convincingly rally support for him as President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
“At some point in the life of a people or nation the need arises to navigate tough terrains which would naturally required a man who knows the way, understands the times and patriotically committed to take up the unusual leadership challenge.
“The Igbo nation is obviously endowed by nature and providence to raise men and women with tested capacities to handle quick fixes as well as the viable solution for strategic development plans in time and season,” he said.
He explained that CSSID acknowledged the travails and formidable challenges besetting Ohanaeze albeit, Ndi Igbo generally, including leadership disputes, factionalisation and most unfortunately, the demise of two former presidents in recent years.
According to him, we console ourselves, sympathise with fellow kinsmen and compatriots as well other stakeholders and friends of Ndi Igbo over the demise of our great leaders in recent times.
He said, “We commend, support and encourage leaders who have demonstrated commitment and love for the fatherland by standing in the gap to ensure the roof did not collapse on our head.
“Next in the order of importance is the anticipated determination to uphold the Igbo spirit of togetherness to showcase strength of character, rational substance and utmost good faith in conducting the critical election on Jan. 10.
“With Okiro on the saddle this time, the banner and identity of the Igbo race will receive quantum leap as Ohanaeze will be on the match again for the pride and prosperity of our people as one of the very best endowed human races on earth.
“As he stated during his declaration to run for the office, we believe and will follow up with his priority focus on unity and peace for Ndi Igbo, sense of belonging for Igbos in the Diaspora, secure Igboland and its investments.”
The convener further said that Okiro would mobilise Ndi Igbo worldwide to the think home philosophy.
“We, therefore, request and urge you bonafide and illustrious men and women, especially the delegates to the election on Jan. 10, to vote Sir Mike Okiro,” he appealed
Comment here