2023 Presidency: Igbo Must Show Competence And Character In Leadership – Ifedi Okwenna

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governorship Aspirant for the 2021 Anambra State Governorship election, Dr. Ifedi Okwenna has called on Igbo leaders in positions of trust to show exemplary capacity, competence and character in the discharge of their duties.

Dr Okwenna made this call during his induction as Patron and decoration with the Award of Excellence in Service to Humanity, by the National Forum for South East Presidency (NFSEP).

The Director General, World Igbo Summit Group, said the demand for Nigerian President of Igbo extraction, is a legitimate demand to assuage the people of South East, who as the third leg of the tripod have yet to test the exalted office of the President of Nigeria under a democratic setting.

According to him, “2023 is our year, with destiny, but we must work had to earn it. This is why I commend NFSEP for mobilising Nigerians in 35 States so far, in realization of the aspiration of Ndigbo”.

Dr. Okwenna who is also the Deputy Director of Igbo Renaissance Centre, lamented on the absence of a tested and proven leadership selection process and the not too effective central leadership in Igboland which according to him, has affected the emergence of father figure leadership among NdIgbo.

He urged Igbo leaders especially, the governors to show competence, capacity and character in the administration of their respective States, to show other Nigerians that Ndigbo can do better. He regretted the below par and lack luster performance of some Igbo Governors which has contributed to making the emergence of Nigerian President from Ala-Igbo not extremely attractive.

While thanking NFSEP for considering him for such honour and recognition, Dr. Okwenna formally informed them of his decision to contest for the Governorship of Anambra State. He told them that his aspiration is based on his practical experience in public office, his knowledge of the challenges of the State and his innovative plans to develop and grow the State. 

The Ugwumba Osumenyi, told the delegation that he will be anchoring his administration on five core objectives and 27 innovative plans, under his Comprehensive Integrated Development Strategy (CIDAS) which according to him is a super participatory strategic planning that involves the citizens and gives an overall framework for development of all sectors and all parts of Anambra State at same time.

Dr Okwenna said he will rebuild government’s reputation, ensure credibility in government and change the perception of government in the eyes of Ndi Anambra and other Nigerians.

Finally, Dr Okwenna thanked NFSEP for the honour and promised to support and promote the objectives, programmes and projects of the Forum.

While presenting the award and decorating Dr. Okwenna as Patron, the South East Zonal Secretary, Comr Udoka Izuka, said the award and recognition was in appreciation of exemplary leadership attributes of Dr. Okwenna in various public positions he held, his determination to promote transparency, accountability, meritocracy, equity and fairness in Government which according to him will propel Anambra State to the part of growth and development.

Earlier in his speech, National President of the Forum, Dr. Patrick Enuneku, informed Dr. Okwenna that the award and recognition would have been presented to him during the  South East Zonal Zonal Summit held in Enugu, but for his unavoidably absence at the meeting. He commended, Dr Okwenna for his support to the Igbo quest for Presidency of Nigeria through the World Igbo Summit, and also for his exemplary leadership disposition in public office especially when he was the Anambra State Commissioner for Environment, Mineral Resources, Science and Technology under the Peter Obi administration.

Dr. Enuneku promised the Forum’s support to Okwenna’s aspiration and his efforts to bringing equity and fairness in Government business in Anambra State.