Anioma Nation Tips Patrick Nwanze For Next Ohaneze Lagos Branch President

BY EGUONO ODJEGBA

Apostle Nwanze, second from left, Chief Obingwe, left and other Exco members of Ohaneze, Anioma

The Igbo people of Delta State also known as Ndi Anioma has reiterated its commitment to produce the next President of Ohaneze Ndigbo , Lagos State Chapter; even as the State Chapter of Ohaneze Ndigbo has endorsed Patrick Nwanze as the next Lagos Branch President.

The Anioma Indigenes of Lagos also expressed interest to ensure that any leader that would emerge in the forthcoming elections later in the year must be passionate, humble; with strong believe in the values and culture of Ohaneze Ndigbo home and abroad.

Speaking with journalists in Lagos last week, Vice President General of Ohaneze, Chief Sylvanus Ebigwei  noted that over the years, the Anioma clan have served religiously, humbly and honestly at  the apex  body of the socio cultural leadership; noting that a good follower is logically expected to become a good leader as at when due .

Ebigwei said Delta Igbos have contributed immensely to the growth and development of Ohaneze Ndigbo over the years, adding that the minority group of Ohaneze has not been able to lead the Lagos Branch.

According to him, equity and fairness is the key word because of the zoning system that have abolished shenanigans and rancour in election processes, even as he seek for rotational presidency based on zoning system for the office of president, Lagos Chapter; or by consensus .

He said’: “To this end, it is our humble proposition that Lagos chapter bylaws be amended including  the rotational presidency based on zoning systems for the office of the president, Lagos Chapter. Or a fiat order for your office (President General) should be issued to save Ohaneze Lagos chapter now.

“The upcoming national politics is the reason for these do or die actions. For us Anioma it’s an issue of justice and fairness.”

While listing some of the states that are yet to grab the top spot as recognised by the constitution in Lagos, he noted that Delta, Enugu and Rivers are the only states that are yet to ascend the number one position due to its alphabetical order.

The elder statesman who expressed confidence on the emergence of Apostle Patrick Nwaneze, not it will be part of the electioneering process as against imposition of candidates, noting that imposition of leaders by any group should be seen as despotic style which should not be encouraged by anyone.

While endorsing the candidature of Nwanze, he said three candidates have expressed interest but maintained that Apostle Patrick Nwaneze is passionate with the right qualities of leadership.

“Don’t assume leadership, it is your people that will come out to say that you are a leader.”

Also speaking, Publicity Secretary, Ohaneze Lagos State chapel, Mrs. Evelyn Onyung, who also endorsed Apostle Nwanze, stressed the need for rotational presidency.

She commended leaders of the Ohaneze Ndigbo for the effort put in place structures to ensure peace and tranquility in the socio cultural group.

“I am standing in support for Apostle Patrick Nwanze and the reason is this; in fighting for an opportunity for oneness, we must work together from different state. Nwanze is intelligent, humble, innovative, a consultant to different companies, insightful and this time the Ohaneze campaign will be different.

“We are looking at character, educational background and we are going to change the narrative this time around because this time we need the spirit of oneness to take the right decision for our people.

” Anioma Indigenes will pick out someone and I know Patrick Nwanze will come out successful and he will give us the desired results.  I want to make it categorically clear that l am backing Patrick Nwanze and his team because we don’t want strange bed fellows, they must work together for progress.”