The election of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu as President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo does not follow the procedures outlined in Ohanaeze’s Constitution.
Chief James Ugwu, former coordinator of Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s Enugu State chapter, announced this on Friday during an interview with newsmen in Enugu.
Apart from the fact that Chief Iwuanyanwu did not emerge via a bye-election as required by Ohanaeze’s constitution, Chief Ugwu stated that his age “is also not in sync with the rigours of the Ohanaeze leadership in the light of present realities in Nigeria.”
“Gov Hope Uzodinma of Imo State is pushing Chief Iwuanyanwu to be the President General of Ohanaeze against the Ohanaeze Constitution and without regard for his age/health,” he says. Chief Iwuanyanwu, as benevolent as he is, should be assisted in enjoying his old age, which is a gift from God.
“Nigerian realities will inform any progressive-minded individual that Ohanaeze deserves a PG who can walk the walk, not an armchair leader.” Chief Iwuanyanwu should be permitted to relax, and he should be enjoying his lifespan with contentment, having accomplished so much as an individual. Iwuanyanwu should advise a younger PG.”
Chief Ugwu recalled that during Chief Iwuanyanwu’s 80th birthday celebration, despite the presence of former President Goodluck Jonathan and the oratory of former President General of Ohanaeze, Chief Nnia Nwodo, Chief Iwuanyanwu spent the majority of the celebration sleeping, adding that’such should not be projected to be the leader of Ohanaeze Ndigbo’.
“We need an active leader who can negotiate all difficulties and attend to the multiplicity of political, cultural, and economic issues confronting the Igbo country,” he added.
Remember that the Ohanaeze Elders Council, chaired by Prince Richard Ozobu, had previously opposed the method in which Iwuanyawu arose, claiming that it violated Ohanaeze’s constitution.
According to the elders, “Iwuanyawu’s appointment as Ohanaeze PG is unconstitutional.” Our constitution, as revised in 2004, states that “upon the sudden death of any officer, there must be a bye-election approved by the Imeobi and ratified by the general assembly.”
“In 2004, Iwuanyawu was the head of Ohanaeze’s Strategy and Planning Committee; so, we ask why a man who was involved in changing the constitution would fall victim.”
According to our reporter, a delegation of the Imo Elders Council led by its chairman, Chief Cletus Ilomuanya, presented Iwuanyanwu to Governor Uzodinma on Wednesday, following the demise of the previous Ohanaeze President-General, Amb George Obiozor, last year.
