By Chioma Godwin
The newly elected president of Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo Bayelsa State wing, Comrade Onuma Johnson, has urge Ndi-Igbo in the State and across Nigeria to be their brothers keeper and harmoniously work hard to contribute to the human capital development of Igbos and the country.
Johnson, who said this in his inauguration speech as the president of the 6th EXCO of the Bayelsa State chapter of Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo, said; “With gratitude, I will lead the 6th EXCO with my Deputy president, Chief Chris Alatu, and other elected officials, in line with the promise of achieving PEACE, UNITY and DEVELOPMENT among NDIGBO in Bayelsa State.”
Onward, he expressed appreciation to the Bayelsa State government under the able hands of Senator Douye Diri, for his unflinching love and care for for Ndi-Igbo and other non-indigenes in the state, went on to stress on the peaceful relationship enjoyed by NDI-IGBO in Bayelsa and their host, calling on NDI-IGBO to consider the State as a investment thriving destination.
“I want to thank the prosperity government led by His excellency Senator Douye Diri, and the good people of Bayelsa State for their support to all NDIGBO in Bayelsa State. As a determined and prosperity conscious people from the East, I wish to assure the Prosperity Government and the people of Bayelsa State of a harmonious socioeconomic relationship
“I want to use this opportunity to appeal to NDIGBO to believe in the leadership of the 6th EXCO and give us all the support to pilot the affairs of NDIGBO living and doing business in all the LGAs of Bayelsa State. Also, I use this medium to call on all NDIGBOs all over the world to come and invest in Bayelsa State because Bayelsa Is now ripe for investment
“As part of my campaign promises, my leadership will ensure that Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Bayelsa State will have its own secretariat to enable us have a proper identification and documentation of all NDIBGOs.
“I promise by the grace of God to lead a peaceful and united Ndlgbo ready to contribute to the development of Bayelsa State.
“It is interesting to note that NDIGBO in Bayelsa state runs more than 50% of micro businesses and have been enjoying peaceful and harmonious socioeconomic, marital and political relationship with our host state, Bayelsa. Therefore, it is of utmost Importance that NDIGBO in Bayelsa State be united to key into the prosperity agenda of the government and to contribute in human capital development.
“I wish to appeal with all well-meaning NDIGBO, to please come out and identify with the association and support in your different capacities to make NDIGBO great.”
On his path, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Chief Collins Cocodia, who represented the governor, commended the Ohaneze Ndi-Igbo, Bayelsa State Chapter for their peaceful and successful election that produced its new leaders.
He charged them to ensure they sustain the peace and harmony existing in the socio-cultural body.
Chief Cocodia who was also the Chairman of the 6th EXCO inauguration, enjoined the new President, Comrade Onuma Johnson, to run an inclusive leadership, and avoid the ‘I know it all’ syndrome.
He said the Governor Douye Diri led prosperity government was proud of their peaceful conduct and unity during the elections, urging them to remain law abiding, and promote oneness, as it was the only key for achieving greater heights, especially as a sociocultural group.
