*Igbo in Diaspora storm Ibusa for retreat

By Chioma Gabriel, Editor, Special Features

LAGOS—The general election of Ohanaeze Ndigbo is scheduled for the first week of January, 2016.

Igbo Chiefs

A statement signed by Chuks Ibegbu for Igbo Information and Communication Network said the election which is expected to be stiffly contested is already making waves in Igbo land as candidates for the different positions have started emerging.

For the President General zoned to Enugu State, Barr Nnia Nwodo, a former Minister of Information and Admiral Allison Madueke, a former Chief of Naval staff are leading contenders though other candidates like Chief Enechi Onyia , SAN, Chief Mike Ajogwu, SAN and Prof Chinweite Ejike , a former VC of Enugu State University are in the ring.

For Deputy President General zoned to Imo State, Prof Uzodimma Nwala and Barr Reuben Okoro are leading contenders. For The Secretary General zoned to Rivers State, Chief Jackson Omenazu, Barr Uche Okwukwu and Engr Isaac Nwonwu are in the ring.

For Deputy Secretary General zoned to Abia State, Comrade Chuks Ibegbu, the former Special Adviser to Amb Raph Uwechue, former PG of Ohanaeze Ndigbo is the leading contender though it is believed that he may go for the Deputy National Publicity Secretary, which Abia later got.

Other major contenders in other states; include the legendary Emma Okocha of the blood on the Niger fame gunning for the Vice President Delta (Anioma), Chief Mrs Chika Ibeneme gunning for the Assistant National Financial Secretary zoned to Anambra and Engr Cletus Amaraegbu gunning for National Financial Secretary zoned to Imo State.

More candidates are expected to emerge in the next few days as the election hots up.

Meanwhile, Ndigbo in the Diaspora will storm Ibusa on Wednesday, December 28, 2016, in the first Xmas retreat for Ndigbo in the Diaspora holding at Prof Pat Utomi’s villa.

The theme of the event is: Building a synergy and developmental bridge between Ndigbo in the Diaspora and those at home: the Imperatives.

There will be speeches and other side attractions at the event as Igbo governors, politicians and businessmen will be at the event.