Chisco boss, Chidi Anyaegbu, declines Mayor of Ndigbo title over controversy
By Jeffrey Agbo
Chairman/chief executive officer of Chisco Transport Nig. Ltd, Chidi Anyaegbu, has declined an offer to be named the Mayor of Ndigbo.
In a statement made available to TheNiche on Friday, Mr Anyaegbu said he decided to step back from it because of the controversy it has generated.
The event was scheduled to be held on December 16 at Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos. Chairman/CEO of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, was billed to be chairman of the occasion while Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, was to be the royal father of the day.
Among the expected guests were former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, former presidential candidate Peter Obi, business moguls Arthur Eze, Aliko Dangote and Emeka Offor and governors of the five southeastern states.
However, in a statement on December 5, Igwe Achebe distanced himself from the event, saying the organisers did not seek his consent.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo (national) and its Lagos branch also dissociated themselves from it.
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Anyaegbu, in his statement, said he remains committed to supporting the Igbo cause in other capacities.
“I want to express my deepest gratitude for the honour of being selected as Mayor Ndi-Igbo. It is truly humbling to have been considered for such a significant and important position,” his statement read.
“After careful reflection, I have decided to step back from this opportunity. Recent developments have brought to light the politically charged nature of this position. While important, it does not align with my personal mission of fostering peace, collaboration and strengthening bonds.
“This was not an easy decision and I deeply regret the timing. Please know that my respect for Ndi-Igbo and the unity of Nigeria remains steadfast and I am committed to supporting its goals in other capacities.”
He said he deeply regretted the inconveniences his “unexpected withdrawal” might have caused his friends, traditional rulers, religious leaders, business persons and those in the diaspora who made travel arrangements to attend the event.
The Chisco boss also appreciated the planning committee headed by Tony Obinugwu who committed their time and resources to the project.
