May 20, (THEWILL) – The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has unequivocally dismissed Atiku’s proclamation of stepping down for Mr Peter Obi as a mere facade, shrouded in political theatrics and aimed at gaining lost ground and relevance within the political landscape.
A statement by Ohanaeze Ndigbo, signed by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, its Secretary-General, highlighted the weariness that Ndigbo have accumulated over 17 years of experiencing what they perceive as political deception and betrayal at the hands of Atiku Abubakar since 2007.
According to him, the statement was to shed light on the recent declarations of former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, regarding the 2027 possible opposition parties alliances.
The statement reads: “Reflecting on past engagements with Atiku Abubakar dating back to the historical 2007 Elections, where lofty promises were made but not honoured as Action Congress Presidential candidate, with Senator Ben Obi as running mate, and into the 2019 elections, where strategic alliances were formed, only to falter when faced with pivotal decisions, Ohanaeze Ndigbo recognises a recurring pattern of political expediency over genuine commitment to Igbo interests.
“During a notably significant gathering in Enugu in 2019, Atiku’s stance against the proposed Mandela-like single tenure option suggested by Igbo leaders, led by Professor Ben Nwabueze, raised doubts about his sincerity towards accommodating Igbo demands.
“Furthermore, his alleged role in disrupting the PDP zoning arrangement for the 2023 Presidential candidacy, which was anticipated to favour the Southeast, has cast a shadow of uncertainty over his intentions and loyalty.
“Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo highlights the weariness that Ndigbo have accumulated over 17 years of experiencing what they perceive as political deception and betrayal at the hands of Atiku Abubakar since 2007. His grand visions and persuasive promises are likened to ’tissue papers’ – fragile and transient, failing to resonate with a vigilant and sophisticated Igbo Nation that remains cautious and discerning.
“Recalling the profound words of the Former Premier of Eastern Nigeria, Dr Michael Okpara, in a local parlance,” First Fool, no be Fool, but the Second Fool, Na proper Foolish”, Ndigbo reflect on the wisdom that accompanies being mindful of the pitfalls of repeating past mistakes, ensuring that folly does not give way to repeated missteps.
“In closing, Ohanaeze Ndigbo calls for astute awareness and circumspection when engaging with political figures like Atiku Abubakar. A vigilant approach grounded in accountability and transparency is vital in navigating the complex currents of Nigerian politics, safeguarding the interests and aspirations of Ndigbo with unwavering integrity”, he concluded.
Sunday Ogbu is a professional journalist with eight - twelve years experience that had worked with various print and online media. Sunday specializes in news reporting with the aim of educating his readers on current social, political and economic occurences within his area of coverage. Sunday is a strong force to work with in the media industry and uses his positive attitude and tireless energy to encourage others to work hard and succeed. Sunday is inspired daily by his wife and their four children. In his free time, Sunday likes sight-seeing, reading and discussing issues of societal interest.
