Presidency, PDP congratulate Obiozor, new President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo
By Ayo Fadimu
The Presidency and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have congratulated the new President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo. Professor George Obiozor on his election as the leader of the apex Igbo sociocultural organization.
The President, according to a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu urged the former Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States, Israel and Cyprus to deploy his immense experience within and outside government to forge greater unity of the country.
According to President Buhari, “Given Prof. 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,” the President added.
While wishing the former Director-General, Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) a successful tenure, President Buhari enjoined Prof Obiozor to be a “unifying force beyond his immediate constituency.”
Similarly, PDP in a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Lere Olayinka while congratulating Obiozor on the election extolled the leaders and the people of the southeast for their democratic credentials evinced in the successful election of a new leadership of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization.
“Prof. Obiozor is a seasoned administrator, excellent diplomat, courageous nationalist and a firm voice in the fight for the entrenchment of democratic tenets of the rule of law, social justice, equity, fairness, mutual respect, true federalism and a credible electoral process in our country.
“The PDP notes the choice of Prof. Obiozor to lead the Ohaneze Ndigbo at this critical time in the history of our nation, particularly given his doggedness in fighting for constitutional all-inclusiveness as well as elimination of all forms of social injustice, divisiveness, nepotism, sectional marginalization, constitutional violations and disregard for the sensibilities of the Nigerian people.”
The statement read in part, “Our party therefore urges Prof. Obiozor to use his new assignment to further rally compatriots in our collective determination to rescue our nation from misrule and return her to the path of peace, national cohesion, mutual respect, adherence to the rule of law, social justice credible elections, economic prosperity and political stability.”
“The PDP commends the outgoing leadership of the Ohaneze Ndigbo led by Chief John Nwodo, for a very fruitful tenure and urges the new leadership to continue on the path of success already laid by successive leadership of the organization,” the statement read.
