President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Prof. George Obiozor, has said the Igbo nation has a date to keep with the 2023 general election.
He therefore called on Ndigbo to participate actively in the 2023 general election by mobilising themselves, close ranks and arm themselves with their voter’s card.
Obiozor, who gave the advice during at the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of Ohanaeze held in Owerri, Imo State, described the 2023 election as a serious obligation to Ndigbo.
He urged them to actively participate in the election by collecting their Permanent Voters Card (PVC), voting for good candidates, and protecting their votes.
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Obiozor said, “We can only succeed as a people when we are determined to achieve a common purpose and such a time is now. Igbos have a rendezvous with destiny in 2023 and I am sure history will vindicate us.”
Obiozor lamented the funding gap militating against the organization’s activities which has impeded the swift execution of projects and attainment of set goals.
He therefore implored stakeholders in the Igbo project to rally round the organisation and enable it attain critical milestones for the Igbo nation and Nigeria.
On the security situation in the state, Obiozor acknowledged the efforts and achievements of the security forces but advised that a more robust approach, which would incorporate technology, be adopted to deepen the battle against criminality in the region.
He said, “While we thank the security forces, we feel that more work needs to be done especially in the area of intelligence gathering, by the town unions and villages, as vigilantes and defenders.”
“Ndigbo are not known for cold-blooded murderous activities. We are also not known for arson. It is most disturbing that we now experience ominous signs of radicalization among a section of our youths. We will continue to appeal to all parents, political and religious leaders to put hands on deck to nip this menace in the bud before it portends a bleak future for our land.”
“We’ll keep calling on security forces to deploy the instrument of digital technology to track down any internal and external forces that are inciting our people to destabilise our much cherished homeland.”