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PDP chieftain faults holding Igbo Day abroad

By Vincent Ujumadu
Wednesday, September 03, 2003

UMUAHIA - A CHIEF TAIN of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr.
Brown Alozie has described as shameful the holding of World Igbo Congress in
a foreign land, insisting that those organising it every year may have other
motives other than the development of Igboland in mind. Alozie, who spoke in
an interview in Umuahia, advised that if Igbo people in diaspora were really
interested in political and economic development of their tribe, they should
come home and see things for themselves and then decide on the way forward.
His words: "I think Igbo people are creating a very bad impression. It is
really bad for Igbo to be holding their annual congress in a foreign land.
How can they be discussing the development of their tribe without the first
hand knowledge of the condition of their people at home?

"Unless the exercise is merely to welcome Igbo leaders who travel abroad to
enjoy their holidays, the congress is supposed to be held here in Igboland.
Many of these people talking of Igbo congress have not been to Igboland for
over 30 years and I wonder how they can claim to be real Igbo. My impression
is that they lure Igbo holding political offices to the United States of
America (USA) to lobby them for one position or the other, so that they can
use that platform to come home and join in wrecking the Igbo economy the
more."

Although Alozie acknowledged the fact that some of the Igbos abroad have
been contributing towards the development of infrastructure in their various
communities, he argued that it is not feasible for them to diagnose and
solve Igbo collective problems from another man's land.

According to him, "their presence in Igboland once a year matters so much
for our people," adding that "it is known that often times the money they
contribute and send home is not judiciously spent and the only way they can
assess the situation is to visit home and use the opportunity to hold the
Igbo congress in any part of Igboland."
On Igbo leaders who attend the congress every year, Alozie said that they
are either using the opportunity to enjoy their annual holidays, or to see
how they could make business contacts. "One cannot even rule out the
possibility that some of them go there to invest looted money," he alleged,
adding that the annual jamboree cannot lead to any meaningful development in
Igboland.

He wondered why people have kept quiet since the craze began, saying that
the Igbos ought to be emulating the Yorubas and Hausas which are the other
major tribes in Nigeria. "Can you ever hear of Yoruba people going to talk
about their problem in a foreign land, or the Hausa converging somewhere
outside Nigeria to discuss how they can win the presidency of Nigeria?," he
asked, and noted that "although Igbos may think they are superior, the
problem is that they are suffering from inferiority complex of high
magnitude.

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WORLD IGBO CONGRESS, INC.

The Secretariat, World Igbo Congress, Inc.
1107 Drew Street, Houston, Texas 77004

Communiqué

The 9th Annual Convention of the world Igbo Congress
Nashville, Tennessee, August 27-31, 2003

The 9th World Igbo Congress Annual Convention was held from August 27 to 31st, 2003 in Nashville, Tennessee, and was attended by delegates from America, Nigeria, and other parts of the world. It was a defining moment for Ndigbo.

The following resolutions and policy statements were resolved and adopted:

That the World Igbo Congress insists in the name of equity and reasoned consideration, the Nigerian government should move faster to establish a functional international air linkage at the Enugu Airport within one year; as well as the economically critical inland sea ports at Oguta and Onitsha. A strong statement to this effect will be expedited to the Presidency as soon as possible; and members of the National Assembly of Igbo heritage have been mandated and challenged to make this a primary issue in their legislative agenda for this year.

Following presentations at the Convention and consultations with key Igbo leaders from Nigeria, it left no doubt that a consensus has been reached of the dire and urgent need for a new and progressive roadmap for the future of Alaigbo. The highlights of the roadmap agenda so far presented by the WIC Roadmap Development Committee for Ndigbo were endorsed. The WIC therefore mandates the Committee working in liaison with specific individuals in Alaigbo, to expedite its work and to submit the final report and concrete implementation guidelines within or before the expiration of two months. The WIC commits without any reservation to fully engage the proposals as approved.

That WIC resolves to redouble its ongoing efforts at the highest levels of the government to see to the actualization of a US Consulate in Enugu.
That WIC resolves to work with the U. S. Small Business Administration at the state level to explore ways of assisting and/or educating private sector enterprises in Igboland.

That WIC is aware that most of the roads leading to and within the various mainland Igbo States are in deplorable and hazardous conditions. The WIC and all gathered at the convention impresses on the state and federal governments to utilize the funds, which have already been appropriated to build and to rehabilitate the roads without further delay. Those who renege on this public service will be held accountable in no uncertain terms.

That WIC condemns in the strongest terms the recent attempted political coup in Anambra State against Governor Ngige by a group of political miscreants, and demand that all the persons involved in this dubious campaign should be made to face the wrath of the law as well as severe sanctions for their reckless assault on the dignity of Ndigbo. The role of the regional police force in this action should be thoroughly investigated and those found to have overstepped their legitimate bounds should not be spared.

That WIC deplores the incessant killings of members of the group MASSOB, many of whom were killed in Okigwe for no apparent reason. We demand an investigation and prosecution of those responsible for those acts and compensation to the families. But caution that MASSOB reserves all the rights as every other legitimate enterprise of civil expression to defend itself, if this provocation does not stop.

That WIC demands that every Igbo organization or town association in the United States should reserve the Labor Day weekend exclusively for World Igbo Congress Convention to ensure maximum participation of Ndigbo in the discussion of Igbo affairs. Further disregard would be cause for sanctions including ostracism.

That WIC resolves to support the 2006 national census and encourage all Igbos to participate fully to ensure proper representation and resource allocation.

That WIC resolves that there should be a review by the National Assembly on the issue of state police in Nigeria to address some of the recent abuses of federal police power.

At the conclusion of the Convention the following officers were elected to serve for the next two years: Dr. Kalu Kalu Diogu of Austin, TX, for Chairman; Dr. Chuka Obiesie of Southern California for Vice Chair; Augustine Uzodike of Igbo USA, New Jersey, for General Secretary; Sylvan Odobulu of Dallas/Fort Worth for Financial Secretary; Emmanuel Egbuziem of Atlanta, GA, for Treasurer; Chief C. Y. Nwaguru of Detroit, MI, for Public Relations Officer (PRO); and Chidi Hans Ibe of Igbo USA of New Jersey for Chief Whip.

In attendance at the Convention were: Dr. Alex Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme, former Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Ide of Aguata; Hon. Adolphus Wabara, the Senate President; Governor Orji Uzor Kalu of Abia State; former Senate President Hon. Evans Enwerem; members of the National Assembly including Senators Arthur Nzeribe, Francis Ararume, Ken Nnamani, Fidelis Okoro, Dr. Ugochukwu Uba, Hon. Mao Ohuabunwa, Hon. Jerry Ugokwe, Hon. Stanley Macebuh, Federal Minister of Education, Hon Fabian Osuji and PDP Chief Scribe Prince Vincent Ogbulafor. Others include Chief Umunna, Secretary to the Imo State Government representing Imo State Government, and Chief Okey Aroh representing Anambra State Government. Other eminent personalities in attendance were Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Chief John Nnia Nwodo, Chief Alfredo Kalu Awa, Pini Jason, Chief Chucks Iloegbonam, Chief Eke Urum Eke (Olibe Ogbuo), Professor Bart Nnaji, Professor Charles Ume, Professor Joe Irukwu, Professor Acholonu, Professor Michael Echeruo, Professor J.E. Njoku (the Vice Chancellor Federal University of Technology), Professor A.G. Anwukah (KSM) the Vice Chancellor of Imo State University, Emmanuel W. Onunwor, Mayor of East Cleveland, Ohio, and Chairman of the Council of Mayors; Mr. Foster, Mayor of Nashville; Bill Purcell, The Chancellor of Tennessee State University, Nashville, Tennessee. WIC also acknowledges the presence of Dr. Mrs. Uche Azikiwe MFR, KSP, and some of our traditional rulers including HRH Igwe John O. Umenyiora (Ezedioranma 1 of Ogbunike), Eze F. Elendu Agunwa of Ezinihitte, Mbieri, HRH Peter I. Anugwu, the Igwe of Mbaukwu and Reverend George Akalonu of Arise Ministries from Mbaise. There was also institutional participation from the International Agricultural Extension Center of Tennessee State University in Nashville, Tennessee, the US Department of Commerce, the Tennessee Department of Community and Economic Development, International Center for Small Scale Business Development, The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, the Tennessee Convention and Visitors Bureau, Phoenix Holdings, and the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce.

The 2003 Convention ended on Sunday, August 31, 2003. The next convention will be on Labor Day weekend in 2004 in New Jersey. Please plan on being there for a progress report.


Mr. Augustine U. Uzodike
General Secretary

September 1, 2003
Nashville, Tennessee, USA
© 2003 World Igbo Congress

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Dr. Alex Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme, former Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Ide of Aguata; Hon. Adolphus Wabara, the Senate President; Governor Orji Uzor Kalu of Abia State; former Senate President Hon. Evans Enwerem; members of the National Assembly including Senators Arthur Nzeribe, Francis Ararume, Ken Nnamani, Fidelis Okoro, Dr. Ugochukwu Uba, Hon. Mao Ohuabunwa, Hon. Jerry Ugokwe, Hon. Stanley Macebuh, Federal Minister of Education, Hon Fabian Osuji and PDP Chief Scribe Prince Vincent Ogbulafor. Others include Chief Umunna, Secretary to the Imo State Government representing Imo State Government, and Chief Okey Aroh representing Anambra State Government. Other eminent personalities in attendance were Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Chief John Nnia Nwodo

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That WIC demands that every Igbo organization or town association in the United States should reserve the Labor Day weekend exclusively for World Igbo Congress Convention to ensure maximum participation of Ndigbo in the discussion of Igbo affairs. Further disregard would be cause for sanctions including ostracism.

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Dateline: 19/01/2004 18:56:34

Igbo Group Lauds FG's Fight Against Corruption
By Iyabode Ahmed

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The World Igbo Congress (WIC) has lauded the Federal Government's crusade in fighting corruption in the country with a pledge to work togerther with the other ethnic group until the vestige of malicious and punitive treatment against Ndigbo is eliminated.

Chairman of the WIC, Dr. Kalu Kalu Diogu, in a statement made available to THISDAY, noted with satisfaction the recent announcement by the Federal Government that serving and former government functionaries have been detained for questioning over allegation of corruption and bribery in the national identity card project.

Diogu said: The World Igbo Congress notes with satisfaction the recent announcement by the Federal Government of Nigeria that certain former functionaries of the government have been detained for questioning regarding alleged corruption due process in the law be accorded, we laud this development as an overdue demonstration of seriousness on the part of government regarding its stated goal of fighting corruption in Nigeria."

"We certainly hope that the recent announcements are not smokescreens, designed to distract attention from an apparent lack of will on the part of government or chronic indifference to fighting corruption in Nigeria. As refreshing as the new announcements are, questions still remain about ex-military men and their civilian collaborators who looted or another. When will millionair and billionaire ex-soldiers be made to account for the sources of their huge net worth?" the statement said.

He noted that the case for equitable and substantive representation remains paramount and promised that WIC would continue to advocate for the national identity card project as a pathway to realising election results and national census in Nigeria.

"The National Identity card project will in many ways ensure a truly one man one vote franchise; and any Igbo found to be opposed to this programme must be seen as an enemy of authentic and how credible they are," he said.

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Our Reactions to Potential Igbo Candidates for 2007 Presidency:

On the Need to Temper Public Judgment



Ndi WIC: and Ndiigbo:



This is by no means and attempt at censorship. However, I wish to caution that we should be careful how we criticize potential Igbo candidates for 2007 presidency. Else it would amount to us destroying our own even before the race begins. We know that Governor Orji Kalu has declared his candidacy. He accorded me the respect as Chairman of WIC to inform me of his interest about 3 months ago. Others have also confided in me privately. I will wait until they announce their names publicly. But all these are declarations as such, and ndiigbo will eventually decide on who is more befitting to represent them.



Pursuant to this objective, Ohaneze Ndiigbo has set up a non-partisan process for picking an Igbo candidate for 2007 presidential elections. There is an Ad-Hoc committee set up to screen these candidates and whittle it down to five by the end of 2005. Another committee will select one from the five already indicated. APGA has also zoned its presidential candidacy to the Southeast and opened it up to qualified Igbo from any political party. The bottom line is that there will be an Igbo candidate in 2007. but we should not preempt or undermine the process by our incessant berating of those who have offered their intentions. No one has been selected and the process is yet to unfold.



All I am asking is that we tone down the rhetoric and viciousness of attacks of the declared and undeclared candidates. The best we can do, which I believe would be in the best interest for Ndigbo would be to submit our criticisms of any particular candidate to the Ohanaeze Selection Committee as well as the APGA forum. I will like us to temper our judgment and to remain open and supportive of the process that our people have set up to participate in this forthcoming election. If you have a better idea, please forward it along. This is the time for a collective effort in this process, and certainly there will be many times for criticisms and soul-searching. But please let us hold-off on destroying each other even before the process has even formerly begun. Okwa a na asi na nwata siri ike, ona esi na ututu mara iga ije. This in my two cents.



Long Live Ala Igbo.



KKD

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