A legal practitioner and public affairs analyst, Barr. Richard Agu has berated governors of Southeast over what he termed poor performance on development index of the region.
He accused the entire five governors of not doing enough to develop the area, especially in view of the quantum of resources at their disposal.
Agu made his position known in Abacha, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State while delivering a lecture titled “Akuruoulo, Ohaneze and Igbo governors, time for paradigm shift” at the Tornado Club annual convention.
He said, “You can’t compare Southeast governors’ performances with those of late Gov. Sam Mbakwe and Jim Nwobodo, former governors of old Imo and Anambra States respectively.
“Those two ex-governors, despite lean resources, were able to make their mark in establishment of landmark achievements in the area of industrialization, infrastructures, health cares, sports which are non existence now.”
The Igbo lawyer further called on Ohaneze Ndigbo to insist on positive and impactful leadership on affairs concerning Igbos.
He said the Igbo apex body supposed to be the supreme organ of the Igbo nations and should act as catalyst for enhancement of development in the entire region.
He added, “It’s high time Ohaneze shifted their attention and dependence only on the “Eze” which is Igbo Leadership and focused on the “Oha” which is the general masses.
“There is need for a paradigm shift for Ohaneze to take up leading roles in all Igbos interest in Nigerian nation.
“Beyond advocacy, the organization should be made to be intentional, deliberate and focused in the process of fashioning fresh method of engagements for the people.
“The organization should work to be independent and selfless which every Igbo man can trust to be able to take up this leadership roles.
“Ohaneze must be weaned off the Igbo political class especially the governors for them to thrive.
“They should draw its power from the people, the trinity of Igbo industriousness from Ogbete to Ogige Nsukka, Abakaliki to Owerri Eke Onunwa, Asaba to Warri, Benin to Ijebu ode, Umuahia to Ikot Ekpene markets should be included as their inclusion will enhance the efficacy of Ohaneze”.
Speaking on Think home philosophy (Akurue Ulo), the legal practitioner describes it as apt, underscoring the need for every Igbo person in diaspora to key into the philosophy.
“I expect the Ohaneze to champion the philosophy of the totality of wealth to get home with a superintendent of Oha na Ndi eze operating under the ambit of Igbo governors as we gradually getting to the end of first quarter of the 21st century.
“Akuruo Ulo in the instance is a directive that our wealth should reach home, it must get to our source and not just be there for the benefit of our host.
“If Ohaneze does it job properly and keeps the Igbo governors in check, Aku should ruo ulo because most of our hosts are no longer very hospitable,” he added.
Speaking to newsmen shortly after a courtesy call to the traditional ruler of Abacha town HRM Igwe Godwin Odiegwu,
President of Tornado Club, Chief Ndukwe Duroha, as well as Chief Emeka Okelo, former President General of Abacha Town who doubles as host of the Club Annual Convention, described members of the club as tested professionals doing marvelously well in their chosen endeavours.
“The club is made of a group of friends who are alumni of Anambra State University of Technology (ASUTECH) now Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) Awka who graduated from 1985, 86, 87 and 88, who came together to socialize and help humanity,” he said.