The Anambra state government has distanced itself from a communique issued by the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, endorsing Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the presidential election.
In a statement on Friday, Solo Chukwulobelu, secretary to the state government, said the stance of the group did not reflect the state’s position.
On Thursday, ImeObi Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the highest organ of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, endorsed Abubakar.
Chukwulobelu accused the group of political partisanship, saying it might end up dividing the region.
“We have read bits of the communiqué purportedly issued by the Ohanaeze leadership. We regret that they do not reflect the position of the people and government of Anambra State,” the statement read.
“The position of the Anambra State Government is that Ohanaeze should remain a united umbrella for all Ndigbo, and should not take sides with any party.
“There are major leaders in all political parties, including the three major ones in Nigeria, namely, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), All Progressives Congress (APC) and PDP.
“It is deeply regrettable that the Ohanaeze leadership has chosen to go down a divisive trajectory capable of setting back Igbo unity for several years.”
Chukwulobelu said the delegation from the state did not participate in the meeting as it was hurriedly concluded before their arrival.
“Our delegation arrived early enough to participate in the meeting of Ime Obi scheduled to start at 7pm on Thursday,” he said.
“We were surprised to learn that the meeting had been held earlier and lasted for a mere 30 minutes.
“The representative of the Ebonyi State Government, Dr Eric Kelechi Igwe, who arrived at the venue before the time the meeting was scheduled to start was also surprised that it had already taken place.
“The same goes for others like the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, and the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige.”
