- * Insists On Culture Of Fair Play
By Valentine Nnamani (Bureau Chief South East, in Enugu)
IZUNWANNE, a body of media Editors and Senior journalists of Southeast origin, has called for a free and fair election in the selection of the next set of leaders for the pan-Igbo socio-cultural organization, OHANAEZE NDI IGBO at the various levels.
The group also advised against the imposition of candidates for the election.
In a press release on the forthcoming election of the pan-Igbo socio-cultural body, signed by its Chairman, Sir Abuchi Anueyiagu, and Secretary, Elder Ngwuoke Ngwuoke, the body of journalists expressed the need for the emergence of quality leadership that would have genuine intentions to work for the common good of Ndi Igbo without fear or favor.
IZUNWANNE said it has been following the processes to the Ohaneze election with keen interest and has considered it necessary to call for a free and fair election to avoid a repeat of what happened in the past where politicians manipulated the system and had their surrogates assume high positions in OHANAEZE NDI IGBO.
While emphasizing the need to ensure a free and fair election process that will not favor particular or pre-determined candidates, IZUNWANNE advised the out-going leadership work towards enthroning a credible election by all standards by giving a level playing ground to all contestants in the election.
The said, "While there could be various interests and subterranean activities going on to manipulate the election for the emergence of surrogates of certain elements for their selfish motives, we urge the organizers of the election or the electoral committee to display an utmost sense of responsibility in the conduct of the election."
IZUNWANNE further stated that it is the position of the southeast journalists' group to have an OHANAEZE leadership that is not just credible but which will boldly represent the general interest of every Igbo at all times. On the other hand, IZUNWANNE implored the delegates to the national election of the OHANAEZE to shun any attempt to induce them to vote one way or the other.
According to the body, the selection of delegates for the election should follow due process and also ensure that every part of Igboland is objectively represented. "We warn against handpicking of delegates", IZUNWANNE stated.
The journalists said that the emergence of new leadership for Ohaneze should transcend other primordial interests and focus on the overall interest of Ndi Igbo. They noted that Ohaneze needs a leadership that will champion the Igbo cause and repositions the Southeast geo-political zone in the Nigerian project, and "not one that is either serving itself or certain interests outside that of the common interest", the statement said. NNL.