• Commends The Sun
By Gilbert Ekezie
Igbo World Union (IWU), a non-political organisation of Igbo in Nigeria and Diaspora, has said fairness and equity would be served if the next president of Nigeria, after President Muhammadu Buhari, comes from the South East.
It also commended The Sun for being a trail-blazer in the dissemination of information in the country.
Speaking in Lagos, yesterday, during a courtesy visit to the corporate headquarters of The Sun Publishing Limited, President General of the group, Amb Mishak Nnanta, said since Igbo believe in one Nigeria, the best way to make them have a sense of belonging is for one of them to succeed president Buhari.
He said Igbo are found in every part of the country, where they live, do their businesses and eke out a living and, therefore, could pass for true Nigerians.
Saying that he would not go into the politics of whether it is in 2019 or 2023, Nanta said whenever president Buhari leaves office it is the turn of Igbo to produce the president.
He revealed that IWU has been working with Ohanaeze Ndigbo to ensure that Igbo are united and given their rightful place in Nigeria.
On IWU activities, the president-general said the group has been working tirelessly to ensure that Igbo live peacefully wherever they chose to reside, as well as get their dues in the country.
He revealed that during the trying days, when Igbo were given quit notice to leave the North on October 1, 2017, IWU leadership toured the region and speak with their leaders.
According to him, the tour exposed the fact that northern elites, who know that Igbo are important part of the country, never wished that there should be break-up in the country.
“Today, we are moving round the country, to ensure that there is unity and peace, with the demand that Ndigbo are given their rightful position in the country,” he said.
Nnanta maintained that although IWU believes in one Nigeria, Igbo also need to be at the helm of affairs, like others, for the purpose of equity and fairness.
“We believe that Igbo are the first son of Nigeria and need not go anywhere. We are in a great country where people like the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and others brought their ideas together to build and sustain. So, there is no need for separation. What we are saying is that Igbo man should ascend the office of the president after Buhari,” Nanta said.
He justified why Igbo should be allowed to produce the president: “Other major ethnic groups in Nigeria have tasted the position of president, except Igbo. Is that justifiable?”
Commending The Sun, the IWU president-general said the newspaper has lived up to expectation, in keeping Nigerians abreast with happenings in the country.
Said he: “I believe in what you are doing and I am very happy to be in your midst today. The Sun is a force to be reckoned with in the country. The newspaper is read all over the country. Like the natural sun, the newspaper shines brightly.
“Your contributions towards the socio-economic and political development of the country are visible. We are proud of you. We need to partner with you fully, as we work for the betterment of Nigeria.”
In commendation of The Sun, Nnanta, on behalf of IWU, presented a certificate of merit/award to Editor, Daily Sun, Mr. Onuoha Ukeh, for his commitment in promoting peace and unity of the country through the job he does.
“God ordained today to say thank you for all your efforts. And, IWU sent us to honour you with this award. So, we say thank you and urge you to continue in your good job,” he said.
IWU Secretary-General, Chief Peter Uyaelumuo, delved into the group’s activities and said: “Our interest is championing the social and cultural diplomacy of Ndigbo and their relationship with other Nigerians.
“We also believe that the country is so great that it needs to be one.”
He noted that the indices that may work against the unity of Nigeria, such as “corruption, tribal sentiment, sectional nepotism, hate speeches, religious supremacy that breeds extra-judicial killings, need to be tackled for the country to move ahead,” and added: “That was why we took it upon ourselves to embark on a nationwide tour, to ensure that peace and unity reign in our country, to enable our children be free from the ills of their progenitors.”
Uyaelumuo also hinted that the major quest of Ndigbo is for a liberal nation where people should be treated equally.
“We are not in a separatist jamboree, but, we are saying that other tribes in Nigeria have been to Aso Rock; as president. So, an Igbo man should also be allowed to be there,” he said.
In his remarks, Ukeh thanked the delegations of IWU for recognising The Sun and stressed that the newspaper remains “the voice of the nation” which represents everyone’s voice, without fear or favour.
“We do our job professionally and do not affiliate with any political organisation,” he said.
Ukeh commended IWU for working for peace in the country, and sid only in an environment of peace would progress be made.
Others who joined Ukeh in receiving the delegates were Editor, Saturday Sun, Femi Babafemi, Ukeh’s deputy, Femi Adeoti, Politics Editor, Alhaji Ismail Omipidan, Head, Insight and Investigation, Henry Umahi and Entertainment Editor, Tosin Ajirire.