By Emmanuel Elebeke

A pressure group ,  Nzuko  Aro world wide, has said in the interest of peace and unity of the country, the Igbos deserved the Presidency in 2015.

It also said that part of discussions at its 4th national conference scheduled to hold in Owerri, Imo State, would be to take a position for the Igbos.

The event, with the theme, Aro Culture, Past and Present: Challenges in the 21st Century, which is scheduled for 13 to 15 May, will hold at Imo State Council of Art and Culture Hall, Mbari Kitchen, Owerri.

Addressing the press on the preparations for the event in Lagos, President General of the group, Mazi Nnamdi Udoh, said with the new breed of leadership in Nigeria, the era of margilisation for Igbos  in the Nigerian political equation was over, saying what the Igbo wanted was the possession of relevant stake in the nation.

This, he said, Aro people stood for, as they had exemplified through some of their present and past sons and daughters who had served Nigeria  meritoriously.

He said: “As people with great value and cultural heritage, we are making it bold that Igbos have arrived because we are no longer talking about margilisation but we are talking about how to possess.”

As people of great mind and heritage, he said Aro people at home and in Diaspora gathered to brainstorm on how to reinforce their integration role in Igboland.

He said the upcoming conference’s theme was to promote the revival of Igbo relevance in Nigeria, the Aro culture and traditions, communal development and empowerment; educate the Nigerian communities about the relevance of  culture in the social  life as well as promote Igbo language, culture and traditions amongst the new generation.

Other reasons he mentioned  include campaign for economic development of  the former Eastern  region of  Nigeria and also to re-enact a family reunion for all Aro sons and daughters.

Those expected to grace the annual conference include 50 local branches of Aro town unions, 10 branch unions in diaspora and 1500 distinguished guests. Others expected at the three day annual ritual include  government  and policy makers, community leaders and Supporters, top business executives, families and youths in attendance.

He said Arochukwu Kingdom is amongst the ancient historic kingdom without boundary in the world with over 350 Diaspora Towns/Communities spread over 12 states in rural Nigeria where they have settled over hundred years ago.

The event will be co-chaired by Hon Justice  Nnenna Otti, Barrister  Mike Ahamba, SAN, Hon Justice Nonye Okonkwo and Mazi  Emmanuel  Okeke, while those expected to deliver paper aill be Prof Mrs. T. Kanno, Mazi George O. Okoro and Rev. Fr. (Prof) J. Okonkwo ,Omenuko among others.

The homeland of Aro people is Arochukwu town located in Abia State on the long Federal Highway running from Umuahia through Uzuakoli, Bende, Abiriba, and Ohafia to Arochukwu.

Former speakers in the past editions include: Prof  Okoro Ijoma Eze Ogo okwara Onoh, Professor Orji Umozurike, late Dr. Chukwuma Obioha, Mazi Emma Kanu Ivi,  late Rev Canon . A.E.D. Mgbemene, Professor O.C. Nwanna, Professor Anezi Okoro, Professor (Mrs.) O.C Nwanna, Professor Green Nwankwo,  Professor Emenike  Anyiwo, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, HRH Prof Chukwuemeka Ike,Prof Humphrey Nwosu,

Highlight of the event will be the royal blessings of EZE Aro, seeing  the rich   culture of Aro, kingdom, talk with the  originators of Ikeji, witnessing  the parade of Aro dressing and costumes enjoy the display of cultural dances and music, seeing  the tourism prospects  Aro kingdom holds for investors and listen to Igbo Aro language.

… as group faults IBB’s comments on zoning

A pressure group, Igbo Democratic Forum, IDF, has expressed disgust over call by former Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida, that the North must produce Nigeria’s president come 2015.

President of the group, Chief Chidi Ndu, said in a statement issued yesterday that the IDF was particularly shocked at the call, coming at a time the country was still ruing the loss of some NYSC members who died in the post-election violence that rocked some states in the North, as well as the fact that the president-elect was yet to be sworn-in.

Chief Ndu said: “As a pan-Igbo association, our immediate reaction to the statement is that of disgust and pity. Disgust because at a time when Nigerians are setting the agenda for the newly elected president to follow, the issue of succession is hardly the matter on ground.

“The former military dictator has descended from the enviable level of a nationalist and an elder statesman to that of a regional-cum ethnic champion who, instead of contributing to nation building through objective and fair comments, is now seeking to further divide the country by pitching camp with one out of the six regions where he had ruled as a military president for eight years.”