The Civil Society Support for Igboland Development (CSSID), an NGO, has thrown its weight behind the candidacy of the former Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mike Okiro, for Ohanaeze Ndigbo President-General (PG).
The group described Okiro as “a unifier and bridge builder,” saying that his well-established contacts and connections, reliable working relationship across Nigeria and the world, would attract sustainable goodwill for Igbo at home and abroad.
The Convener of the group, Chidike Ukoh, disclosed this in a statement issued in Enugu and made available to newsmen on Thursday.
The PG position in the election, scheduled for January 10 by the Ohanaeze Imeobi (the highest decision-making organ), was zoned to Rivers.
Ukoh stated that Okiro, as Nigeria’s first IGP of Igbo extraction, a lawyer, author and quintessential security chief, was far better and more technically equipped than others for the job as a grassroots mobiliser.
“It is, therefore, within our civic mandate and duty as a responsible civil society body of experienced compatriots to lead the cause of relevant sensitisation to enable Igbo people convincingly rally support for him as President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
“At some point in the life of a people or nation, the need arises to navigate tough terrains, which would naturally require a man, who knows the way, understands the times and patriotically committed to take up the unusual leadership challenge.
“The Igbo nation is obviously endowed by nature and providence to raise men and women with tested capacities to handle quick fixes as well as viable solution for strategic development in time and season,” Ukoh stated.
He further explained that CSSID acknowledged the travails and formidable challenges besetting Ohanaeze, albeit, Igbo generally, including leadership disputes, factionalisation and, most unfortunately, the recent demise of two former presidents.
According to him, we console ourselves, sympathise with fellow kinsmen and compatriots as well as other stakeholders and friends of the Igbo over the demise of our great leaders in recent times.
“We commend, support and encourage leaders, who have demonstrated commitment and love for the fatherland by standing in the gap to ensure the roof did not collapse on our head.
“Next in the order of importance is the anticipated determination to uphold the Igbo spirit of togetherness to showcase strength of character, rational substance and utmost good faith in conducting the critical election on January 10.
“With Okiro in the saddle this time, the banner and identity of the Igbo race will receive quantum leap as Ohanaeze will be on the march again for the pride and prosperity of our people as one of the very best endowed human races on earth.
“As he stated during his declaration to run for the office, we believe he will follow up with his priority focus on unity and peace for the Igbo, sense of belonging for the Igbo in the Diaspora, secure Igboland and its investments,” Ukoh added.
He also stated that Okiro would mobilise the Igbo worldwide toward the realisation of the think-home philosophy, if elected.
“We, therefore, request and urge you bonafide and illustrious men and women, especially the delegates to the election on January 10, to vote Sir Mike Okiro,” he appealed.
(NAN)
