Over the weekend, the National Executive Committee of ASETU held a meeting at its National Secretariat in Enugu. During the meeting the January 2021 Ohanaeze Ndigbo Election was discussed. We had seconded two field observers to the Election in compliance with the request of the immediate past leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo. On the strength of the observers’ reports and our extensive analyses of the election, we wish to make the following public:
1. The 2021 Ohanaeze Ndigbo Election has shown the level of dedication in the hearts of our people and their preparedness to take part in every process that will usher in genuine leadership to drive the rebirth of the Igbo Nation. Given the numerous and existential challenges Ndigbo face today, it is expected that Ndigbo are keen to get strong and reliable hands that will steer our development and security plans. This passion animated by the purest of patriotism must be harnessed for the attainment of a greater Igbo Nation.
2. However, the 2021 Election of Ohanaeze fell short of the expectations of the vast majority of Ndigbo in this critical moment in time. The complaints that the electoral process was neither open nor participatory are not unfounded. It is also claimed that the process violated the Constitution of Ohaneze Ndiigbo. Even the constitutional provision that, “The Town Unions are the building blocks of Ohanaeze”, was not observed, as vast majority of Town Unions reported that they were not carried along in the process. In many instances, the delegates to the Election were reportedly handpicked, instead of chosen through congresses at the local levels. There was also lack of reasonable transparency in the Electoral Committee which saw some of the aspirants withdraw from the race. The lists of delegates were said to have never been published for scrutiny and some aspirants lamented they were not availed any opportunity to know and interact with the delegates. Some members of the Electoral Committee also felt sidelined from the conduct of the Election.
3. All of these have combined to arguably vitiate the credibility of the Election. The result is that parallel elections were held with at least two people presently claiming to be the Presidents-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo. Several court cases have also been filed on this matter. This underscores the need to have impeccable transparent and credible elections that carry both the candidates and electorate along and abide by the Constitution of Ohanaeze. The shortcomings of the Election are undeniable. However, in the interest of the Igbo Nation and in recognition of the existential threats which our people now face and urgently need to address, we appeal to everyone and all aggrieved parties to sheathe their swords and come together to fashion out a way forward.
We cannot throw away the baby with the bathwater. It will amount to indelible abomination to the entire Igbo race if we allow our collective masquerade (Ijele) to fall to the ground. The way forward has to be inclusive and handled by men and women of integrity. Ndigbo need to come together and come up with a solution that ensure credible leadership at this very critical moment when we need it.
4. We commend all those who have stood on the side of peace and have worked relentlessly towards its attainment during this period. We commend the Stakeholders, Leaders and Elders of Alaigbo and many others who have worked to steer us out of this challenge. It is now time for us to pick ourselves up and demonstrate that Igbo people have internal mechanisms for conflict resolution and are not incapable of self-governance. ASETU stands ready to support and contribute to any effort that shall bring all stakeholders to the table to fashion out a way forward.
Signed:
Chief Emeka Diwe
National President
Hon. Gideon Adikwuru
National Secretary