By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Both Aso Rock and the All Progressives Congress (APC) have congratulated George Obiozor on his election as president-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo for the next three years during which he will marshal the South East cause.
Obiozor’s term expires in 2024 and is not renewable.
Before then, he would have – among other important issues – led the agitation for a president from the South East in 2023, as the Villa is expected to be rotated from the North to the South to replace Buhari after his tenure of eight years.
Obiozor is Nigeria’s former ambassador to the United States, Israel, and Cyprus as well as being a scholar, and Buhari urged him to deploy his “immense experience” in and outside government to forge greater national unity.
He said given Obiozor’s rich background, especially in international affairs and pan-Nigerian commitment, “I have little doubt that his election is well-deserved and will serve not only the interest of Ndigbo, but also that of his fatherland.
“We need all hands to be on deck for this country to move forward in peace and unity.”
Obiozor is also former director general of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), and Buhari implored him to be a “unifying force beyond his immediate constituency.
Buhari spoke through a statement issued through his Media and Publicity Assistant, Garba Shehu.
APC hints at zoning
APC National Publicity Secretary, John Udoedehe, said going by Obiozor’s distinguished service to the nation, experience and suitability for the strategic position of Ohanaézè helmsman is not in doubt.
He urged Ndigbo to support Obiozor to fulfil the mandate of the organisation.
Udoedehe said the APC Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) led by Mai Mala Buni is determined to consolidate on efforts “to further mainstream the South East in the workings of the governing APC and place the zone in its deserved political standing in the country.”
The APC pledged to partner and work with the new leadership of Ohana ézè toward shared development and expressed confidence that its new leadership will be a bastion for the unity and tolerance all Nigerians should imbibe for peace and progress.
