Eze Gerald Onuchukwu Gericho, Eze Udo of Eti Osa Local Development Authority, Lagos State, has cautioned Igbo people in the state not to join the planned nationwide protests.
Speaking in an interview with Daily Independent in Lagos at the weekend, he said that the protests will not yield any positive results.
“The Igbo people have been marginalized for a long time in Nigeria and they have been crying out loud about the situation and no one is listening or doing anything about it.
“The protest will not change anything for the Igbo people; so why should they join other people to protest when they are already suffering the economic hardship in the country,” he said.
Speaking on the harsh economic situation in the country, Eze Gericho averred, “We foresaw what is happening in the country and we warned other Nigerians and they did not listen to us. They created a situation and should find a solution to it.”
He stated that pretests do not lead to positive outcomes and urged Igbo people not to join the protest because it is not in their interest.
The traditional ruler commended President Bola Tinubu for assenting to the bill that created the South East Development Commission, adding that the agency will bring about development in the South East zone.
He argued that 54 years after the end of the civil war, no leader had listened to the Igbo people and created an agency to cater to their developmental needs.
He called on Nigerians to support the government of President Tinubu to deliver on the promises he made to Nigerians during his campaign.
He also lauded President Tinubu for leading the efforts to grant autonomy to the local governments in the country. He added that the commission fast track development at the local level, adding that state governors will no longer have access to local government funds.
Gericho called on the President to reduce the cost of governance, adding that the cost of governance is prohibitive.
Eze Kanu Oji Urges Tinubu To Release Nnamdi Kanu, End Igbo Marginalization
Uche Nwosu, Umuahia
The newly crowned Eze Aro, the traditional head of Aro people in Arochukwu local government area of Abia State, His Eminence Eze Eberechukwu Kanu Oji, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately release of the detained leader of Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
This, he observed, will be the solution for the lingering insecurity in the Southeast geopolitical zone, arguing that since a court of competent jurisdiction has discharged and acquitted him, keeping him in detention makes mockery of the Nigerian judiciary and ridicules the nation in the international scene as it will seen as a country that does not obey its own judiciary.
The paramount ruler made the call during his coronation as the 9th Eze Aro (King of the Aros) on Saturday. According to him, Nigeria will be a great nation if the leaders and the led obey the laws of the land and work towards its progress and greatness.
Eze Eberechukwu Kanu Oji’s coronation was held after many years of tussle between him and another member of the ruling family, Mazi Kanu Okoro Oke Nnachi, after the death of Eze Aro the 8th, Eze Vincent Ogbonnaya Okoro many years ago.
It was an event where the Aros displayed their rich cultural heritage, even as it attracted traditional rulers, captains of industry, political and religious leaders including Governor Alex Otti of Abia State.
The monarch used the forum of his coronation to call for an end to the marginalization of the Igbo, adding that their full and unreserved inclusion in the scheme of things will further make Nigeria a greater nation.
Earlier, Governor Otti had described Eze Eberechukwu Kanu Oji as a seasoned administrator and patriot whose leadership qualities will be a springboard for the development of Arochukwu Kingdom and its people at home and in the Diaspora.
He congratulated the people of Arochukwu on selecting a man who is already made in all areas of human endeavour, saying that the monarch is not a man that will look up to his people for help economically, but will himself offer help to them when there is need for it.
“His Eminence Eze Eberechukwu Kanu Oji is not a man that will deep his hands in the till in order to fulfill a personal choice, but the one that will give to his people and community in order to develop them.
“For those, not too happy with his choice as Eze Aro, I want to inform them that power comes from God and He gives it to whomever He wants to give it to”, the governor asserted.
The highlight of the event was the offering of a special prayer by a representative of the General Overseer of Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adebayo.
The two traditional rulers in the kingdom that traditionally provide assistance to the Eze Aro, newly installed Eze Mbom Isii, Eze Amoa Ngwu-Egwu Okoro and Eze Ezeagwu na Okwaragwu, Mazi Okoroafor Uro, were part of the coronation ceremony.
The event attracted crème de la crème of the Nigerian society as well as Aros at home and in the Diaspora.
Ihedioha mourns Iwuanyanwu
Emeka Ihedioha, a former Governor of Imo State, has expressed sorrow over the passing of Chief Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu (Ahaejiagamba Ndi Igbo.
He said, “I received with great pain the news of the passing of our revered leader, elder statesman and the president general of Ohaneze Ndi Igbo, Chief Dr. Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu, MFR, OFR, CFR, KSC (Ahaejiagamba Ndi Igbo), in the early hours of Thursday 25th July.”
According to him, Iwuanyanwu’s life was marked by numerous accomplishments in business, politics, the church, sports, and community leadership. He praised Iwuanyanwu as a role model to many and lauded his contributions in various fields.
“As president general of Ohaneze Ndi Igbo, it is worthy to note that he raised the bar of leadership. He was truly a pathfinder and astute in various fields of endeavour,” Ihedioha remarked.
Chief Iwuanyanwu, known for his patriotism and defense of his people, was celebrated for his impact on Nigerian society. He was one of the few Nigerians to receive triple national honors, solidifying his legacy as a Pan-Nigerian figure.
“Chief Iwuanyanwu unarguably died as a patriot and true defender of his people. He stands out as one of the very few Nigerians with triple National honours and was indeed a Pan-Nigerian. He will be greatly missed,” Ihedioha noted.
Ihedioha extended condolences to the Iwuanyanwu family, the people of Imo State, Ohaneze Ndi Igbo, and the Igbo nation.
“On behalf of my family, I extend my condolences to the Iwuanyanwu family, Ndi Imo, Ohaneze Ndi Igbo, and the entire Igbo race. Ahaejiagamba Ndi Igbo, may your soul rest in peace. Amen,” he stated.
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