Group Cautions Ohanaeze Youths Over Anti – Igbo Sentiments Against Amaechi
Dez Mayorz Media.
A socio-political group, Patriotic Alliance for Good Governace (PAGG) has cautioned the National President Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youths Council Worldwide (ONYCW), Mazi Okwu Nnaobuike, for spreading anti – Igbo sentiments against the former minister of Transportation, Chief Chibuike Amaechi.
Reacting through a communique signed by the National Coordinator of PAGG), Comrade Ikechukwu Uchenna – Okonkwo, and made available to Journalists in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom state capital on Monday, the group maintained that Amaechi, is a great nationalist, who has spread his tentacles of goodwill across Nigeria.
They recalled that the former Rivers’ governor had during a media interview made it that ethnic matter and where he belongs was immaterial, claiming the Ikwerre language, culture and cuisine, remain same with those of the greater Igbo, recalling he had defended the Igbo causes when they were facing marginalisation.
Urging the Ohanaeze youths to abandon ethnic sentiments and focus on the larger picture of who Amaechi is, in terns of his detribalised nature and development- oriented vision for all, irrespective of tribe.
The communique reads: “As Nigeria continues to navigate the complexities of nation-building, grappling with issues of unity, development, and good governance, the legacy of Rotimi Ameachi stands out as a beacon of hope and progress.
“A stalwart politician and leader, Ameachi’s impact on Nigeria’s political landscape, the future of Ndigbo, and national unity is undeniable, leaving an indelible mark on the nation’s history.
“With a career spanning decades, Ameachi’s contributions to Nigerian politics have been significant, shaping the country’s trajectory and inspiring a new generation of leaders.
“Ameachi’s policy initiatives have driven progress, promoting development and good governance. His commitment to inclusivity has fostered a sense of belonging among diverse groups, promoting national unity and encouraging participation in the political process.
“Through his years of leadership, Ameachi has shown that effective governance can be achieved through transparency, accountability, and a genuine commitment to serving the people.
“This is evident from the period in which he led the Rivers state House of Assembly as Speaker to his times as Minister of transportation.
“During his tenure as Governor of Rivers State, Ameachi implemented transformative policies that redefined the state’s infrastructure, education, and healthcare systems.
“His administration invested heavily in road construction, bridge development, and public transportation, improving connectivity and facilitating economic growth.
“In education, Ameachi’s government introduced innovative programes, such as the Rivers State Education Reform, aimed at enhancing the quality of education and increasing access to educational opportunities.
“Additionally, his healthcare initiatives, including the establishment of new hospitals and clinics, improved healthcare delivery and outcomes for the people of Rivers state. His commitment to true federalism and resource control resonated with many Nigerians, particularly the Ndigbo community.
“Ameachi’s leadership style, marked by inclusivity and dialogue, helped to promote national unity and cohesion. He fostered a sense of belonging among diverse groups, encouraging participation and engagement in the political process.
“His advocacy for restructuring and equitable resource distribution continues to inspire a new generation of leaders, who recognize the importance of fairness, justice, and equality in governance.
“Through his leadership, Ameachi demonstrated that effective governance is about serving the people, listening to their concerns, and working tirelessly to address their needs.
“One of Ameachi’s most significant contributions was his efforts to empower the Ndigbo community an act which he was consciously involved in because he was always committed to the development of the Igbo communities.
“He recognised the importance of inclusivity and worked tirelessly to promote the interests of this people. His legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of representation and leadership that truly serves the people.”
According to PAGG, Amaechi, had while addressing the Igbo community during a state function, mentioned that he appointed an Igbo man a commissioner in other to identify with the people and based on the professional advantage which the appointment added to his government; promoted two persons from the Igbo extradition as Permanent Secretaries, employed 3,000 as teachers who made up the 13,000 persons he employed as teachers.
“A giant stride still standing and has encouraged academic excellence in the state even after leaving office, he also gave scholarships to several others among other opportunities when he was governor, an achievement which is yet to be surpassed by succeeding government.
“While as a minister of transportation, he worked tirelessly to ensure that the Eastern states were connected to the president Buhari ‘s railway projects despite political criticisms.
“According to him, $1.96 billion Port Harcourt-Maiduguri Eastern Railway Corridor, would link 14 states, including the five Southeast states of Abia, Anambra, Imo, Ebonyi and Enugu as well as nine others. with this development, there will be an increase of commercial activities within the region especially with the role they play in the national economy.
“Ameachi at one point or the other had identified with the Igbo people by expressly stating that he is an Igbo man and he exhuded prides in boldly making such assertions. He also advised the Igbo people on the need to become part of the government at the federal level by playing national politics.
“He further encouraged them to make this possible by extending their hands of fellowship with other ethnic groups.
However , the Insincererity of some political jobbers who are always ready to push the agenda of their pay masters has been widely seen and must be disregarded since it only represents a taunting abuse on the enduring commitment which Ameachi has bestowed on the Igbo people to enable them see national unity and ethnic collaboration as the means to become a key player in the national leadership of the country.
“The recent statement of the National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, Mazi Okwu Nnaobuike, which represents one of such, should not be taken seriously as same breeds of persons have failed to make reasonable contributions in identifying the Igbo nationality on the political landscape of Nigeria.
“This are persons whose love for the Igbo people is based on how much they been paid by their paymasters to remain loyal to the course. it is worthy to state that once they run out of the favour of their paymasters, they begin to identify with the highest bidder thereby using their platforms to misconstrue political statements thereby resulting to demarketing Igbo leaders who have fought and stood tall in the quest to push the Igbo nationality to play relevant roles at the federal level of Nigerian leadership.”
They recalled that “Amaechi had sparked a national conversation on identity and belonging to the Igbo extraction during an Arise TV appearance, shedding light on the complexities of claiming or identifying with a particular place or ethnicity, using his own situation as an example, particularly regarding his connection to Igbo heritage.”
Amaechi, the group maintained, “had joined and supported the Igbo struggle because of the need to join in giving a voice to Ndigbo due to the open disregard by the Nigeria government to the people.”
“By these gestures, the former minister, they pointed out, “had become an Igbo man because he had publicly emphasised his readiness to join in protesting in support of the Igbo cause and ensuring that they play a politics that eventually results to national recognition and Igbos taking the centre stage in the political affairs of the country,” the communique stressed.
