The Igbo socio-political organisation, Ohaneze Ndigbo, has apologised to President Muhammadu Buhari over the comment credited to its President-General, Chief Nnia Nwodo, purportedly endorsing the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar.
The group, led by its embattled Secretary-General, Uche Okwukwu, told President Buhari that Nwodo was on an indefinite suspension pending the outcome of a nine-man panel headed by Mr. Richard Ozobu to investigate acts of misconduct and abuse of office as well as bringing Ohaneze to public disgrace submitted its report.
The Ohaneze Ndigbo, the Association of Eze Ndigbo in 19 northern states, the World Igbo Congress and the World Igbo Union, were at the presidential villa, Abuja, on Friday, on a courtesy visit.
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According to Okwukwu, the indefinite suspension of Nwodo bordered on the endorsement of Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi ahead of the presidential election on February 16.
Nwodo had, on behalf of the apex Igbo socio-cultural group in Nigeria, at the Summit of Nigerian Leaders and Elders with the theme: ‘Elections: The Search for Credible Free and Elections’, jointly chaired by Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) Pa Edwin Clark and Prof. Ango Abdullahi, the Convener of Northern Elders’ Forum (NEF), adopted Atiku as its presidential candidate for the February 16th elections.
The elders comprised members of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Northern Elders’ Forum (NEF), Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Afenifere, a socio-cultural organization for the Yoruba race and Middle Belt Forum (MBF).
According to Okwukwu, the Igbo identified with President Buhari’s achievements of improving ease of doing business in the south east. He said the Igbo would vote massively for him and would resist any attempt to manipulate or rig the elections.
He said President Buhari would win greater number of votes from the south east, urging him not to give up and let there be no sacred cow in the fight against corruption.
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President Buhari said he was impressed by the show of support from the regional body, which demonstrated unity in diversity, noting that diversity is Nigeria’s biggest asset that we must apply in the development of the nation.
He said the perpetrators of crime whether in security, economy and corruption are from all tribes and that his administration will not discriminate in its response.
He said he has identified key challenges for all regions and he would do his best to address them.
