‘Hope Of Igbo Nation Rests On You,’ Nzuko Umunna Tells Imo Governor

An Igbo socio -political pressure group, Nzuko Umunna has told the governor of Imo state that the hope of the entire Igbo nation rests on him.

Senator Chris Anyanwu made the statement when she led a delegation of the group on a courtesy visit to Ihedioha at the government house yesterday.

Anyanwu said Nzuko Umunna appreciates Ihedioha’s election and emergence as the first member of the group to be elected Governor of a State.

The group also prayed that God imbue him with the wisdom and political will to deliver on his electoral promises.

Nzuko Umunna said it will, in conjunction with Ohanaeze Ndigbo, hold an Inaugural Lecture by mid next year with the theme, “Labour of Our Heroes Past,” adding that she has been chosen as chief host of the event.

The full statement read below:

1. Your Excellency, Nzuko Umunna wishes to heartily congratulate you on your epochal victory at the just concluded governorship poll in Imo State as well as your swearing-in as the sixth democratically elected Governor of Imo State. By your election, Imo State has once again demonstrated her ability at all times to choose her leaders – a feat Nigeria as whole needs to imbibe. Your election is a clear demonstration that our people value experience, honour and the willingness to put their trust in the right people.
2. Your Excellency, Nzuko Umunna is a think tank that comprises of Igbo professionals both at home and in the diaspora. Currently the group has a membership strength of 248 Igbo professionals from various fields of endeavors spread across the continents of Africa, Europe, Asia and America. Your Excellency, our strenght is in Identifying with our leaders and proffering supportive ideas, policies and programs that can ensure the development of the various states of Alaigbo and in furtherance of our collective development. We achieve this by establishing mutual and cooperative relationship between our region and other regions of the country to ensure the security of our people who are living and doing various businesses across other regions of the country. Strengthening unity and cooperation among the various Igbo states through prompt interventions on intra and inter-state crises that might jeopardize the peace and co-habitation in the region and working and partnering with other organizations that share similar goals and objectives.
3. Your Excellency, Nzuko Umunna particularly appreciates your election and emergence as the first member of Nzuko Umunna to be elected Governor of a State. It is for this reason that we decided to visit Your Excellency first before continuing our courtesy visits to other governors in the zone.
4. Your Excellency, to whom much is given, much is expected. Nzuko Umunna is not unmindful of the very high expectations of our people from your administration. This may sometimes border on the unrealistic. However, we urge you not to despair, and pray that God will imbue you with the wisdom and political will to deliver on your electoral promises.
5. As we deepen conversations on the means by which the huge human and capital resources available to Nzuko Umunna can be utilized in the service of our people, we urge Your Excellency to remain focused and people-oriented. Indeed, it can be said that the hope of the entire Igbo nation rests on leaders like you. We are confident that Your Excellency will fully discharge the confidence reposed on you by the entire Igbo race.
6. Your Excellency, you were a member of the House of Representatives for 12 unbroken years. For 8 years, you were a principal officer of the House of Representatives. As Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, you were for 4 years a presiding officer. Your illustrious career as a lawmaker climaxed with your election as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives. No other Igbo politician comes to the governorship saddle with this level of uncommon legislative pedigree.
7. Little wonder then that our collective hopes and aspirations as Ndigbo towards policy reform, economic development and security of lives and property in the face of herdsmen attacks and other forms of criminality rest squarely on your shoulders and those of your fellow Governors. It is our expectation, Your Excellency, that with your experience and exemplary courage, you will hit the ground running, not only in the administration of Imo State but in galvanizing other stakeholders towards activating the development agenda for the South East zone. We are confident that you and your brother Governors in the South East Governors Forum (SEGF) will work together to forge a common front to attend to our existential security and other challenges and also commence immediate implementation of South East economic development blueprint.
8. Your Excellency, consistent with this paradigm shift towards economic development of Alaigbo, Nzuko Umunna will in conjunction with Ohanaeze Ndigbo hold an Inaugural Lecture by mid next year with the theme, “Labour of Our Heroes Past.” We are glad to inform Your Excellency that you have been chosen as the Chief Host for this world class event billed to hold in Owerri, Imo State. We do hope Your Excellency will not only graciously accept this momentous role, but also accord Nzuko Umunna and Ohanaeze Ndigbo the necessary support and that of your brother Governors towards ensuring that this ground-breaking event becomes a huge success.
9. We thank Your Excellency for receiving our delegation and look forward to very fruitful working relations with you throughout your tenure.