IWA insists on restructuring, regionalization, devolution of powers

Igbo World Assembly, IWA, has insisted in the implementation of restructuring, regionalization, and devolution of powers for a better political system in the country.

This is even as the group has listed eleven point political agenda for political leaders contesting for political positions must meet in 2019 Nigerian general elections,

IWA is the umbrella body of Igbo organizations worldwide in over 35 countries and the representatives of Ohanaeze Ndiigbo in diaspora.

The diaspora group in a world press conference jointly addressed by its Chairman, Dr. Nwachukwu Anakwenze, Oliver Nwankwor, Secretary General, IWA, at the weekend noted that candidates for political positions must be committed to core beliefs and principles including respect for constitution and rule of law, respect for human right and civil rights, respect for the federal character commission rules, merit based appointment to government positions, firm knowledge and competent management of Nigeria’s economy, detribalized appointments and leadership in all sectors of the government.

Other core principles potential political leaders must meet, according to IWA, will also include equal and equitable treatment of all Nigerian regardless of tribes of origins or religion, elimination of ethnic cleansing in the Nigerian political space belief in free and fair electoral process and not on rigging of elections and belief in a government that will unite all Nigerians and not one that is divisive.

This is even as the diaspora Igbo group expressed satisfaction over the nomination of the Presidential aspirants and the Vice Presidents of the two major political parties, the All Peoples Congress, APC, led by Muhammadu Buhari and Yemi Osibanjo and the People Democratic Party led by Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi.

“We want a Nigeria where the majority’s right is balanced with the minority’s right. We want a Nigeria where various ethnic groups feel that they have a stake in the future of the country.

Meanwhile, IWA leaders from the 35-member countries after deliberations on the global teleconference Skype meeting on the 14th October, had unanimously commended the People Democratic Party Presidential Candidate Alhaji Atiku Abubakar for his decision to nominate Peter Obi as PDP vice presidential candidate.

The group while pleading with the Southeast leaders in People Democratic Party to rally around the choice of Obi in accordance with the desire of the majority of the nation said that the decision and choice by Atiku Abubakar has elevated the political scene for 2019 presidential election and presents new hope for Nigeria as a nation.

The choice of Obi, according to IWA, has generated widespread acceptance by many Nigerians, particularly among the youths.

“IWA considers the opinions of the youths to be vital because the youths constitute the largest majority of the Nigerian population and must be factored into the political future of the country.

“Investigation by IWA Security Institute, revealed that over the years, Peter Obi, as a political and business leader has been mobilizing, reintegrating, re-educating and re-orienting of the youths on several conference and summit presentations in and around the globe. Obi has also been engaged with the political and business leaders within and outside Nigeria,” the group said.

“Obi’s exemplary governance of Anambra State in his 8-year term in office,” IWA noted, “changed the face of the state.”