By ANAYO OKOLI

UMUAHIA — Chairman of South East Governors’ Forum, Chief Theodore Orji, of Abia State, has called on Igbo delegates to the national confab to work in harmony with Ohanaeze to achieve a common goal for Ndigbo.

Orji, who spoke when the leadership of Ohanaeze led by its President, Chief Garry Igariwey, paid him a visit in Umuahia, weekend, said Igbo delegates should not work in isolation with Ohanaeze.

His advice came just as a member of Ohanaeze Youth Wing, Mr. Chuks Ibegbu, warned Ndigbo at the conference not to speak in discordant voices.

According Ibegbu, if the representatives of Ndigbo do not speak with one voice, the entire Igbo nation will be the losers.

He also decried the exclusion of Ohanaeze youths from the National Confab list.

Governor Orji assured that as chairman of South East Governors, he would ensure there was peace, harmony and mutual respect among the governors, elders and Ohanaeze, assuring that that Ohanaeze would be carried along by the governors for the good of Ndigbo.

The South East Governors’ chairman also disclosed that they agreed that each state would take care of its delegates and also collectively sponsor a secretariat of delegates of Ndigbo.

He said:  “Ohanaeze is ours, it is for all Igbo. I agree that Ohanaeze is not in competition with the governors. We don’t expect any conflict between them. If there were any conflicts at all, now that I am South East Governors’ Forum chairman, I will try to resolve them.

“I urge you to continue to work hard. I know your constraints,  it is not easy to run Ohanaeze empty-handed. With my emergence, let us see what we can do to be able to carry you along.

“As governors, we know our responsibility. It is not our wish that Ohanaeze should die.

“If we don’t protect and fortify you, there is the tendency for politicians to hijack you. Be strong, don’t be deterred.”