Barely 48 hours after the Chief Gary Igariwey-led apex Igbo socio - cultural organisation, Ohaneze Ndigbo endorsed President Goodluck Jonathan for the February 14 presidential election, another faction led by Chief Ralph Obioha has distanced itself from any endorsement, insisting that it would be counter-productive to commit Ndigbo to any form of blanket support.

They made it clear that they will not be endorsing either President Jonathan or his main challenger and the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Muhammadu Buhari for next week’s presidential election.

In a joint media briefing addressed by Obioha and Dr. Zed Chukwujama as chairman and secretary of the organisation’s Caretaker Committee respectively as well as Chief Mbazulike Amaechi, the chairman of the organisation’s Elders’ Council, the group asked Igbos at home and those residing in various parts of the country to vote according to their conscience.

They expressed dismay that until now, none of the two major presidential candidates including President Jonathan of the PDP and Buhari has entered into any form of agreement with Ndigbo on the four cardinal issues they have outlined.

The issues according to them include, security of lives and property of Ndigbo, infrastructural development in Igbo land, Reparation for atrocities and war crimes against Ndigbo at least at the level recommended in the Oputa Panel Report as well as what would become of Ndigbo after the tenure of the would-be president by 2019.

“Of the two candidates, only one sent a high level delegation to us and we told them that we must see the candidate himself because whatever agreements to be reached will be implemented by him, if he wins and becomes president. We have not seen the candidate as at this date. The other presidential candidate has not made any contact with the committee, which is the authentic legal organ of Ohaneze. If his believes in some other areas or persons to gather the Igbo nation into one basket, we can only wish them good luck.

“Where do the Igbos belong and what is their fate after the incumbency of whoever wins in 2015 election? President Jonathan has said it openly that after his second term, it will be the turn of the north. On the other hand, Buhari wins and desires to emulate Nelson Mandela and bows out after one term because of his age, it will be reasonable to expect another northerner to complete his term. Thereafter, he would want to exercise his constitutional right of second term, making 12 years, “ they noted.

In view of the situation on ground, the faction asked the Igbos to pray for God’s guidance on the day of election and vote according to their conscience advising them also to be vigilant before, during and after the polls.

They were also asked to make appropriate arrangements to save their lives, family and property, while appealing to the governors of the south-east to make contingency arrangements, separately and collectively to evacuate Igbo citizens who may be trapped in an area of violence in view of the ominous uncertainties that loom in the air.

http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/ohaneze-faction-why-we-can-t-endorse-jonathan-buhari/201113/

All I know is this, Ohaneze have endorsed Jonathan and Ndigbo are for Jonathan, The faction that distanced itself is not relevant.

Op, your caption is misleading; Not Ohanaeze but a faction of it.

Isn't this better than endorsing a candidate.

This clearly shows which faction has the well-being of the Igbos at heart!


#SaiBuhari

Go and collect your PVCs

wise decision..!

I think every Nigerians should be allowed to choose the candidate they want to vote for regardless of endorsements from certain individuals.

People endorse candidates based on their own personal opinion of the candidate (which may or may not be correct)

Let no one be swayed by endorsements. Everyone has a mind of his own so let everyone make his choice.

saaedlee:
Isn't this better than endorsing a candidate.

This clearly shows which faction has the well-being of the Igbos at heart!


#SaiBuhari

Go and collect your PVCs

Hehehehehehh intresting

OYO.

Even if u no endorse,just vote out cluelessness. Except u guys are happy with the state of federal roads in the east.

Don't worry oga's!
We already know who to vote come failbuhari 14!
The main oga will still be re-elected come 2015!
GEJ2015!

GEJ's lost is clearly approaching

Na wah for all these blanket endorsements. All these blocs promising to deliver mass votes in exchange for compensation and gain will be shocked. Nigerians will vote based on individual conscience and personal choice.

K