Ohanaeze Ndigbo Women leader, Rita Daniels tasks FG to accord Ndigbo sense of belonging
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Women leader, Rita Daniels tasks FG to accord Ndigbo sense of belonging
…call for release of Nnamdi Kanu
Chief (Hon) Rita Daniels, President Ohanaeze Women Worldwide
The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Women Worldwide, the female arm of the apex Igbo socio- cultural organization, Ohanaeze has called for the restoration of a sense of belonging and patriotism among Ndigbo by appointing them into the higher echelons of government at the centre. The group also called for the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
The President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Women Worldwide, Hon (Chief) Rita Daniels Chukwuji (Ochiudo) made the appeals during a press briefing on Monday in Asaba. Chief Rita Daniels flanked by other officials of the organization stated that involving and carrying Ndigbo along in the scheme of affairs of the country were crucial to the attainment of sustainable peace, wellbeing and progress of Nigeria.
“I can bet that once the current Federal Government ably led by His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari acts in the right direction by bringing Ndigbo back into the mainstream of the affairs of this country, the positive ripple effects would begin to manifest for the betterment of not just Ndigbo but all Nigerians of diverse backgrounds. As dedicated mothers we are appealing to the President and the Federal Government to hearken to our humble and passionate appeal,” the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Woman leader stated.
Chief Rita Daniels, a veteran actress reasoned that if there is justice and fairness in the spread of commanding positions of government and the security apparatuses, the growing tension in the Igboland including self determination agitations would naturally begin to fizzle out as the Igbos would begin to feel the sense of oneness, self esteem and sense of belonging in the Nigerian family.
She appealed to political leaders at the federal level to sincerely address the grievances and restiveness of the younger generation of Ndigbo which are traceable to the marginalization of Ndigbo at the centre.
The Ohanaeze Woman President stated that force alone cannot solve the problem of youth restiveness in Igboland stressing that the Federal Government should embrace dialogue and pacification would do the entire country more good.
Chief Rita Daniels tasked all mothers especially among Ndi Igbo to do more to call their children to order by inculcating moral values in them. She added that the foundation of peaceful coexistence springs from the homes to the wider society. “It is the duty of mothers to recall their youthful children from the streets and negative influences that jeopardize the peace, harmony and development of Igboland and the country as a whole”.
The new Ohanaeze Woman leader said that empowering and engaging the youths physically, mentally, economically and politically would steer them away from secessionist agitation by rekindling their faith in the country through mutually beneficial participate in the process.
“We appeal to our aggrieved youths to forgive our shortcomings so that together we can build and achieve the equitable nation we hope for as we all put our hands on the deck for a better tomorrow,” Chief Rita Daniel emphasized.
Chief Rita Daniels advised the youths to shun the use of hate speeches and only criticize constructively bearing in mind the overriding need for peace, unity and stability of Igboland and Nigeria. She contended that dialogue and cooperation with constituted authorities are the best options for presenting grievances and perceived injustices.
The Ohanaeze woman leader further enjoined all Igbo elders, sons and daughters to do more to promote Igbo language and cultural heritage stressing that “all Igbos are hereby called upon to imbibe the culture of speaking our indigenous language all over the world in the spirit of universalism of mankind”.
A cross-section of the leadership of Ohanaeze Women Worldwide. Third right is the President, Chief Rita Daniels
The Ohanaeze women leaders added their voices to the call on the Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government and the security agencies to tamper justice with mercy by releasing the detained leader of Indigenous People of Biafra, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and other Igbo youths incarcerated along with him.
Chief Rita Daniels sued for greater love and cooperation among Igbos in the country and in the Diaspora. As she put it, “The Igbos are everywhere in the country and in the world hence the slogan ‘Onyeaghala nwanneya’. We are hardworking, committed, resilient, peaceful and fascinating people. Our people are gifted with special entrepreneurial and organizational endowments, therefore let’s learn to harness our potentials by loving ourselves because together we stand strong and divided we fall”.
