The Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has described Ohaneze Ndigbo, the pan-Igbo socio-cultural group, as the strongest voice of the Igbo people in national affairs and as such needs a sustained credible leadership for it to enjoy the support of all well meaning Igbo sons and daughters.
The Governor stated this on Tuesday at the Governor’s Lodge Aba while receiving a delegation of eminent Igbo sons who came to present to him the candidature of Professor George Obiozor for the position of President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo.
Governor Ikpeazu while congratulating the outgoing President General, Chief John Nnia Nwodo for providing solid leadership for the organizatio, called on whoever will emerge as the next President General to build on the sterling performances of Nwodo and give Igbos an even stronger voice on national issues.
He described Professor Obiozor as an intellectual of global repute, stating that at this stage of the development of Ndigbo in Nigeria, it will be difficult to find a better candidate for the position than the eminent Professor. He further stated that he has all it takes to lead the organization and wished him well in his quest.
He used the opportunity to assure the delegation that his administration would continue to support the Ohaneze Ndigbo, working together with the other Governors of the South East.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, told the Governor that they came to formally present to him, Professor George Obiozor, a great son of Igboland from Imo State as a candidate for the position of the President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, whom he said possessed all that is required for the position judging by his wide experience in international politics and long years of experience in public service.
He urged the Governor to lend his support to the candidature of the Professor.
Also speaking, Professor George Obiozor said he accepted to run for the position because of his belief that Ndigbo should get a better deal in Nigeria. He assured the Governor and the people of Abia State that he will work to reposition the people in the scheme of things in the country.
ABIA ONLINE gathered that Imo State born George Obiozor is a Professor of International Relations who had served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Cyprus, Israel and the United States of America. He was also the Director General of the Nigeria Institute of International Affairs, Lagos.