By Ohanele CASCA
History was made on the 10th of January, 2013 and the venue was Nzeribe Hotel Oboama Ezinihitte Mbaise where the entire Mbaise people unanimously mandated Dr Ikay Njoku to steer the ship of Mbaise Forum as its first National President.
While making case for Dr Njoku’s candidature, Chief Grant Oti appealed to Mbaise people to rally round Dr Ikay to steer the ship of the forum noting that as the convener of the summit, he has the vision and the direction that will move Mbaise nation forward. Speaking in solidarity, Barr Uche Nero Obasi from Ahiazu Mbaise stated that Ahiazu Mbaise LGA reached a consensus not to present a candidate but have decided to key into Dr Ikay Njoku’s leadership as he has all it takes to unify Mbaise interest in the overall scheme of things in Imo and the country at large.
Hon Dr Bede Nzenwa speaking on behalf Ezinihitte Mbaise people advised that the leader of the forum must carry all political parties along and must have the capacity to reach out, connect and network with other zones for the political interest of Mbaise nation. He however presented Chief Dr MON Ibe, a Consultant Neuro Surgeon as their candidate for the position of National President of the forum. Commending Dr Ikay’s election, one of the illustrious sons of Mbaise Chief Barr Ugbaja, the Federal Commissioner Public Complaint Commission posited sound reasons why the convener of the forum, Dr Njoku should be allowed to put the structure of the Forum solidly on the ground. He voted that the leadership will embark on membership drive, draft a new constitution, register the Forum with CAC and set procedure for the forum’s electoral process. Chief Barr Ugbaja stressed that Chief Dr Ibe is a distinguished son of Mbaise whose leadership qualities are not in doubt but appealed that for the overall interest of the Forum, Dr Ikay should be allowed to draft a team of well meaning Mbaise sons and daughters to steer the ship of the forum on the interim. Chief Dr Ibe however thanked Ezinihitte, Mbaise people for the confidence they have in him noting that he will support Dr Njoku to achieve the desired success. Accepting the office, Dr Ikay pledged to do his best with the support of all Mbaise people to raise the consciousness of Mbaiseness. He stressed that the Forum is a mass movement with no party affiliation aimed at articulating and propagating Mbaise interest at all times. He thanked Mbaise people for the honour, promising that he will not let them down.
