Okorocha seeks unity among Igbo traders in Lagos

Ndigbo must understand Nigeria’s politics, he says
BY GILBERT EKEZIE
Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Anayo Okorocha, last Sunday met with leaders of various Igbo trad­ers’ associations in Lagos. The meet­ing held at the Excel Oriental Hotel and Suites, along Airport Road, Mafoluko, Oshodi.
The meeting, which came few weeks after the Imo Liaison Office in Lagos organised a well-attended South East Busi­ness and Investment Summit in Lagos, centred on sensitisation, empowerment and development of Igbo traders in Lagos for a better output.
Addressing the traders, Okorocha expressed gratitude for the turnout at the forum. The governor regretted, however, that the Igbo, despite their large numbers in Lagos, failed to unite to achieve their objec­tives, especially in the area of influencing some certain decisions in the state for a more conducive business environment.
“I am surprised to hear that Ndigbo in Lagos are more than three million, yet they cannot take a decision that would favour them, due to disunity. I am not here to seek electoral votes because I do not have any problem in Imo State. What brought me here is for us to share ideas on how Ndigbo will understand the politics of Nigeria and make the desired impact in the society be­cause many things have gone wrong along the line.”
Okorocha, who expressed that Ndigbo should be united and organise themselves in order to make headway in their busi­nesses, called on them to rise at the present electioneering period to take their destinies in their hands by being actively involved in politics.
“You should participate actively in the political process in order to choose who will govern you. But, if you fail to do so, your businesses may continue to be under threat. With your huge population, you need to be sought for and not to seek for someone. Also, if you organize yourselves well, you need to go into agreement with any political party or candidate you want to support, so that at the end, you will not be pushed aside.”
Okorocha assured that his second term would be spent in building of industries and factories and the total development of Imo State. He called on Igbo traders to come and invest at home.
“My attention this time around is es­tablishment of factories and industries to reduce the unemployment rate in Imo State. We used our first four years to embark on construction of roads and schools. We also ensure that workers are paid as at when due,” the governor said.
The governor also promised to create a good business environment.
Leader of the Coalition, Chief Sir Nnam­di Nwaigwe, on behalf of the Coalition commended Okorocha for his leadership strides, pointing out that he was the first and only South East Governor that always sought the interest of Igbo traders in Lagos.
Nwaigwe promised that the Igbo traders in Lagos would not relent in their efforts to be united, even as he called on Okorocha to continue to support and carry the Igbo traders along.
“We have heard what the governor said concerning unity among the traders and the entire Ndigbo. And we will ensure that it is achieved because we have many graduates and masters degree holders among us and have all it takes to go beyond buying and selling. But what we are asking is that the Governor should always give us support. We are ready to do better,” he said.
Among those at the event were the Deputy Speaker, Imo State House of As­sembly, Mr. Ozoemena, Eze G. A. Nnanna of Isiala Nkwerre, Imo State Govern­ment Liaison Officer in Lagos, Mr Alfred Ononogbu, Comrade Chris Okpala, Chief Virginus Odinaka, Pastor Okey Anorue, Deacon Charles Obi, Mr. Ikechukwu An­imalu, Comrade Olua Uwandu, Mr. Felix Ugbojiaku, Mr. Tony Ohagwa and Mr. Ebere Nnakaife