The leadership of Ohanaeze Nd’Igbo yesterday lauded President Goodluck Jonathan for appointing a chieftain of the Igbo apex body into the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA)

The body described the appointment of Nwabueze Obi, the President of the Abuja Branch of Ohanaeze Nd’Igbo and Vice President of Ohanaeze Nd’Igbo Presidents in Diaspora as the Executive Director (ED) Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services as laudable.

A statement by the leadership of Ohanaeze Presidents in Diaspora signed by the President, Ohanaeze Nd’Igbo, Lagos Branch and President, Ohanaeze Nd’Igbo in diaspora, Chief Oliver Akubueze and Chief George Iheonunekwu, secretary, described Obi’s appointment as credible and worthy.

The statement reads in part: “It is a welcome development that Mr. President took the wise decision of getting a credible person of impeccable character to do the job, and that is commendable.

“We in the Ohanaeze leadership and on behalf of the entire Igbo hail Mr. President for this noble step.

“We have known Obi and his tested leadership qualities.

“He has led people into positive actions and a great motivator of men and resources.

“He has proven over time in his legal career spanning over 20 years, individual life and in the leadership of Ohanaeze that he has what it takes to help in moving the nation forward.

“With such appointment, it has become manifest that Mr. President has intensified his transformation agenda.”

The Ohanaeze leadership noted that it has no doubt that Obi would justify the appointment and his presence in NIMASA together with the others would add immense value to the operations of the agency.