Ohaneze Ndigbo president says Nigerians should stop lamenting and participate in political process

PAN-Igbo socio-cultural organisation Ohaneze Ndigbo has called on Nigerians to stop lamenting about the plethora of problems the country faces and try and find solutions to them by getting involved in the political process.

Serving as the umbrella body for Nigeria's 35m Igbos, Ohaneze Ndigbo has had to contend with recent calls for  Ndigbo to secede from Nigeria and recreate the defunct Republic of Biafra. Several of the organisations that make up Ohaneze Ndigbo have complained bitterly about the state of things in Nigeria and the number4 of socio-economic problems the country faces.

Speaking yesterday at the Authority Newspapers Award Night, in Abuja, Chief Nnia Nwodo, the president of Ohaneze Ndigbo, called on Nigerians to end their lamentations and side-talk about the supposed ineptitude of political leaders. He said they should participate deeply in the political process in order to produce quality and experienced political leaders.

According to Chief Nwodo, socio-economic underdevelopment in Nigeria was as a result of poor political leadership that could initiate or influence decisions that would transform the society. He then pointed out that there are severe consequences for Nigerians for not participating in the selection process of political leaders.

Chief Nwodo added:  “If those who are competent and experienced sit back and refuse to participate in political process, then quacks and people with questionable character would automatically take over the political space. With this, the lamentations would continue.”

He challenged Nigerians to endure all inconveniences and get registered and also collect their Permanent Voter Cards, so they could enjoy the opportunity of making the right choice at the polls. In February next year, Nigerians go to the polls to elect a new government.