Ahead of the 2015 general elections, former governor of Abia and Imo states, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu and Chief Ikedi Ohakim respectively, met behind close doors yesterday in Lagos.
The meeting, attended by other prominent Igbo sons and daughters, appraised the state of Ndigbo in Nigeria and deliberated on how to rally the people of the South-East in a bid to enhance their fortunes in the country.
A communique issued at the end of the meeting and jointly signed by Dr. Kalu and Chief Ohakim called on stakeholders in the South-East to imbibe the spirit of forgiveness in order to move the zone forward, stating that bitterness among leaders was a major setback for the region.
“Today marks a new beginning in Igboland. Today’s meeting is a demonstration to the whole world that forgiveness is the key to progress. The difference between two prominent sons of the region have been resolved in the interest of our people,” the communique read in part.
It stressed the need for the people of South-East to give unflinching support to the Jonathan administration to ensure the speedy completion of the second Niger Bridge, the implementation of the gas Master Plan and completion of the modernisation of the nation’s railway, among other development projects embarked upon by the government.
The communique also condemned in strong terms, the disrespect to the South-East traditional institution by politicians in the zone, for selfish reasons, stating that traditional rulers remain fathers of all, irrespective of tribe or political affiliation.
It regretted that while the South-East continues to produce the highest number of graduates annually, many of them are unemployed. It urged governments in the zone to support the entrepreneurship spirit of Igbo youths by creating enabling environment and empowerment schemes.
The communique also urged Nigerians to remain steadfast and prayerful so as to overcome the current security challenges.
PLEASE HELP US SHARE THIS ARTICLE
About the Author
0Awesome Comments!