Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youths Distance from Backing Nwifuru
The Youth Wing of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has said it did not endorse the Ebonyi State All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate for the 2023 general election, Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru is its sole candidate.
This was contained in a statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the group, Mazi Chika Art Adiele. The alleged endorsement, it noted, was done by Chief Damian Okafor, a former executive of the body and an Aide to Governor David Umahi.
The youths described the move as an “infantile political expedition, which is aimed at hoodwinking the unsuspecting public and by extension, tarnish the image of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide (youth wing)”, stressing that the group was “not a political pressure group or a political vehicle for clannish inclination.”
Adiele added that the group was “not a puppet to power” as the person (Damian Okafor) who allegedly carried the said endorsement “was impeached some weeks back by 23 out of 24 NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, for gross misconduct, pilfering and highly partisan.
The statement reads thus: “Our attention has been drawn to a purported statement credited to one Damian Okafor, where he endorsed the governorship candidate of one Hon Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru of Ebonyi State (APC)
“Ordinarily, we would have no need replying such an infantile political expedition, which is aimed at hoodwinking the unsuspecting public and, in extension, tarnishing the image of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide (youth wing).
“Firstly, Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide youth wing, as the apex body of ALL IGBO YOUTHS, is not a political pressure group or a political vehicle for clannish inclination.
“We are Social Crusaders and defenders of Igbo cultural cosmopolitanism. We pride ourselves as the conscience of Igbo youths worldwide.
“We are resourceful, creative, bold and savvy. We are not puppets to power, as we believe that the core ingredient of democracy is “participatory democracy”, as enshrined in our constitution.
“Secondly, Damian Okafor was impeached some weeks back. 23 out of 24 NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, for gross misconduct, pilfering and highly partisan. Thankfully, his impeachment was unanimously ratified by all the organs of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide. Damian Okafor is a typical example of a bad child whose parents denied him dinner.
“We, therefore, appeal to good-spirited IGBO YOUTHS, especially the peace-loving YOUTHS of Ebonyi State, to disregard Damian Okafor, who lacks the locus standi to speak for IGBO YOUTHS.
Our new NATIONAL YOUTH LEADER, MAZI Livinus Obasi Onu, Esq, who incidentally is the only “Leader” (Ebonyi State) and the entire NEC are busy with the planning and the successful execution of our forthcoming”IGBO YOUTHS CONFERENCE”, which is slated to hold in January 2023 and then the forthcoming general elections.
“We understand that Damian’s antics are that of a drawing horse, and his struggles to stay afloat above sea level are a pathetic and sorry sight. Can a man give what he can’t offer? The answer is clear to discerning minds.
“May Ala IGBO Prevail, and may the enemies of NDIGBO land never Prevail.”
