8th September, 2010
The Igbo speaking community in Lagos State, Nigeria, has elected new executives, thus ending the 13-year old rift that rocked the association.
The leaders of the factions, Chief Jonathan Nnaji and Chief Chris Ekwilo, have agreed to make peace by pledging their loyalty to the new executives.
The association recently conducted what was described as a free and fair election during which Chief Ebere Ubani emerged as the president general.
During the inauguration of Ubani, the outgoing president general, Nnaji told the members that he and Ekwilo had made peace and accepted the new leadership so that the Igbos in the state will have peace and move forward.
In the same vein, Ekwilo warned the Igbos to desist from any acts that will cause crisis in the association because of the tussle for power.
“Sometimes, we are a laughing stock among other tribes because of the tussle for power and this has deterred the progress of our people living in the state,†he stated.
The newly elected president general, Ubani thanked the members for having confidence in him.
He promised that he will work towards uniting all the factions in the association.
He also promised to adopt policies that will protect the interest of Igbos in the state as well as foster a strong relationship with their host community at the state and local levels.
Some of the new executives are Chief (Sir) Sunday Eze Deputy President general, Okorie .C. Jude, Secretary General and Echefu Felicia, Public Relations Officer, PRO.
—Cyriacus Izuekwe