Abia North: Ohaneze backs Kalu

Chairman of the Caretaker Committee of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Ralph Obioha, has cautioned the duo of Chief Igariwey and Dr. Nwaorgu against making comments on behalf of the body, noting that they both lack the official status to make decisions for the group.
He made this declaration while reacting to a counter-statement issued by Dr. Nwaorgu stating that Ohaneze denies endorsing the candidature of the former governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Kalu.
Obioha explained that the endorsement of the businessman-cum-politician for Abia North Senatorial rerun is not out of place, taking into consideration his contributions to the Igbo cause‎ and Nigeria in general.
According to the Chairman, it is unfortunate that Nwaorgu has the effrontery, despite the expiration of his tenure as Secretary-General of the body, to speak for Ohaneze Ndigbo when he has no official capacity nor moral right to do so.
Obioha remarked, “considering our objective of repositioning the South East in all ramifications through the Ohaneze Ndigbo platform, we will not allow selfish and money-conscious individuals to distract us from forging ahead.
“The use of the apex Igbo body to meet selfish interests will no longer be tolerated. The likes of Igariwey and Nwaorgu are capable of destroying the reputation of Ohaneze Ndigbo, if not curbed immediately.
“Igariwey, who ceased to be chairman of Ohaneze Ndigbo two years ago, is desperate to meet his unending desire for money. He has been parading the doors of politicians for one favour or another in the name of Ohaneze”.
Affirming the endorsement of the former governor, Obioha added: “Having carefully reviewed the antecedents of candidates for the Abia North Senatorial District rerun poll, it is in the interest of the Igbo nation to throw their weight behind a strong advocate of the Igbo cause in the person of Orji Kalu.
“It should be noted that the red chamber is a platform for people with political clout and pedigree. Kalu will use his network of contacts to ensure the correction of the imbalance in the South East.
“The cap fits Kalu”, he concluded.
The Chairman, while appealing to sons and daughters of Abia North to remain steadfast and committed to the candidacy of Kalu , added that the statement issued by Nwaorgu is misleading and false, noting that Kalu’s contributions to the society have earned him large followers over the years beyond the South-East.