By Uzo Ugwunze
Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Anambra state chapter has called on people of the state to support the Governor Chukwuma Soludo-led government in its ongoing fight against insecurity in the state.
State Chairman, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalezeukwu gave the advice on Wednesday shortly after the inaugural meeting of the body following its elections last month.
He said the new leadership of the apex Igbo socio-cultural group would be leveraging on the core values of Ndigbo to reshape the mindset of the people towards tackling the prevailing security situation of the state.
He said, “We met to deliberate on crucial matters in readiness for the task ahead. Going forward, people should expect a new Ohaneze Ndigbo which is going to be different from what it used to be.
“We’ll be capitalizing on the core values of Ndigbo to ensure we reform the mindset of our people, especially as it concerns security which is everyone’s responsibility.
“We’ll ensure all hands are on deck in tandem with the core values of Ndigbo in order to achieve better society in the state.
“Ohaneze is going to play the non-kinetic role of ensuring absolute security of lives and property in the state. We’ll ensure adequate sensitization, engagement and mobilization of Ndị Anambra to bring all together.
“We shall be engaging them towards being conscious of security as well as participate actively at their respective kindred, villages, communities and local governments towards contributing to a better society.”
Acknowledging the challenges that characterize electioneering period which the state would soon be witnessing, Okpalezeukwu cautioned against any actions capable of creating tension and anarchy.
“It’s an election year, and we’re foreseeing the challenges of anarchy and crisis. Many of these insecurity seems to be politically motivated.
“We therefore seize this opportunity to call on Ndị Anambra, to come together, irrespective of your party, religion and support the incumbent governor of the state on security matters.
“Nobody is immune to insecurity. It’s either you’re affected or infested. If it doesn’t happen to you directly, it can indirectly.
“That’s why we need to come together on a non-partisan basis and support Soludo in his efforts to rid the state of criminals and establish a lasting peace, serenity and stability in the state,” he added.
Also speaking, Publicity Secretary of the body, Hon Uzo Ekemezie expressed the readiness of the new leadership to extend the olive branch to those who contested the election with them.
“My message to those that contested with us is to understand that the passion that brought us out to contest shouldn’t die in us.
“We’re accessible and our arms are open. We’re willing to embrace all and desire to work with them to ensure the narratives are changed.
“Hence the need for them to join us and bring their passion and commitment to bear towards the progress of the body and the state,” he added.