By Emeka Aginam
The World Igbo Congress, WIC, the apex Igbo organization, has reiterated its call on the Federal Government to treat with urgency the completion of work on vital projects in Igbo land  especially the dredging and structural repair of the Niger Bridge.

The appeal followed the election of  Chief Larry Udorji  as the new Chairman of WIC.

Other  projects  vital to the economic development and security of lives and property in Igbo-land, according to a communiqué issued at the end of convention of WIC in Toronto, Canada, include the Akanu Ibiam Airport, Enugu, and the upgrading of  Sam Mbakwe Airport, Owerri  to an international airport.

In a communiqué signed by Dr. Peter N. Nwaogu, Secretary General of WIC, the convention further called on the Federal government and Igbo governors to embark on joint regional and inter-state infrastructure and public utility cost-share projects, especially in the areas of electricity, water treatment, health care and erosion control, among others.

It said: “We demand that the Federal Government treat as a matter of national priority, correction of the imbalance in the distribution of local governments between the North and the South.

“WIC takes a very strong stand that the distribution of local governments in Nigeria must follow states’ structure. The Federal Government should  use every legal means possible to make sure that terrorists do not establish a safe-haven in Nigeria. The WIC stands ready to work with the Federal Government as partners in this pursuit.”

On kidnappings, WIC, called  on Igbo royal fathers to perform their traditional and civic duties and partner with Federal and state governments in curbing the wave of kidnappings, armed robbery and other vices in Igbo land.

The body expressed deep appreciation for the support  received from President Goodluck Jonathan and  pledged its full support and solidarity for his administration.

The convention which attracted  participants from Canada, United States, Gabon and Nigeria elected Chief Larry Udorji as the new Chairman; Chief George Ezeh-Vice Chairman; Dr. Peter Nwaogu-Secretary General; Prince Nkemka Onuma-Assistant Secretary General; Chief Francis Ibezim Jr.-Financial Secretary; and Mr. Pius Ilogu-Treasurer; Boniface O. Eguzouwa-Public Relations Officer; Nze Dr. Daniel Onyeagba-Chief Whip; Chief Engr. Cletus Chukwurah-HOD Recorder; Emeka Iheanacho-HOD Presiding Officer; and Mr. Chris Nsoedo-HOD parliamentarian as new  officers.

In his acceptance speech, the newly elected Chairman, Chief Larry Udorji  thanked all those that voted for him as well as those that did not vote for him; and pledged to work assiduously for the unity, peace and progress of Ndigbo in Diaspora under one umbrella of World Igbo Congress. He asked for the support of all Igbo people home and abroad in solving the mounting problems facing our people.