Ohanaeze warns Igbo politicians after endorsing Atiku

The Igbo socio-political organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo on Tuesday warned politicians against overheating the Igbo polity, following its endorsement of the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar.

Ohanaeze had endorsed Abubakar following his promise to restructure Nigeria if elected in the forthcoming presidential election. The decision has led to the organisation seemingly breaking into factions.

However, the spokesperson of Ohanaeze, Chuks Ibegbu has now stated that candidates should go to the field and win their votes.

In a statement he signed, Ibegbu called on aggrieved politicians from the Southeast to sheathe their sword.

The statement reads: “Since the issue of adoption of Alh Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi for the 2019 presidential election by Ohanaeze Ndigbo, we have noticed positive and negative commentaries and press releases by those who support or oppose the endorsement. This is the beauty of democracy.

“However, the issue must not be allowed to torpedo Igbo collective interest in Nigeria. Some of the commentaries are unbecoming and pedestrian and the language raw.

“Whether we are for or against the decision, the approach has to be civil after all our concern is the wellbeing of Ndigbo and Nigerians .

“Ohanaeze position has always been that we would support Presidential candidates ready to restructure Nigeria. I am aware that promises can be made and not kept but atleast its better made than not made.

“There is no single approach to this issue but that must not be allowed to create rumpus in Igbo polity. There are many routes to Arochukwu and the basic aim is actually to get to Arochukwu no matter the route followed. The ultimate is that whoever finally wins the presidency, Ndigbo should get their fair share in Nigeria.

“I therefore warn those fanning the embers of disunity in Igbo land over the matter to sheathe their sword. Let all the candidates go to the field and win their votes . Ohanaeze is never divided and will never be and all Igbos irrespective of party affiliation belong to it. Yet the group has the moral duty to protect the political interest of Ndigbo too.”