From Nwogha Ndubuisi Andy, Abakaliki
The national president of the apex socio-cultural youth organization in Izhi land, Izzi Nnodo Youth Forum led by Comrade Ben Nwovu has reaffirmed the endorsement of the All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship flag bearer in Ebonyi state, Rt Hon Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru as their consensus candidate come 2023 general election.
This was followed by the motion moved by Comr Darling Mbam and seconded by Hon Oliver Nwachukwu during their end of the year party at the new Secretariat, Hossana Park, Abakaliki.
Recall that the Board of Trustee members led by Prince Maurice Mbam recently announced the rejection of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Ebonyi state governorship candidate, Rt Hon Francis Nwifuru in adoption of the Labour Party candidate, Architect Edward Nkwegu as their consensus candidate.
Speaking, Comrade Nwovu explained that the youth body which has being in existence for over 30 years has remained committed in promoting the rich cultural heritage of Izzi people, and added that the major aim of the forum is to defend the course of Izhi Nnodo clan.
He enumerated that the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the forum and other sub-committees are creation of the national president who has authority over them, “the Board of Trustee, Elders council and the Central Working Committee and Steering Committee of Izzi Nnodo is a creation of Mr President.
“However, the endorsement of Mr Speaker on 30th November, 2022 was on a collective effort which we re-affirmed today.
He added, “Those miscreants that are saying that are not part of it are money mongers who have gone to collect money to endorse people, but we are saying No to it since our endorsement remain unrevoked in entire Izhi land.”
“Of course, the 30th November endorsement motion was moved by pioneer president of Izzi Nnodo Youth Forum,Comrade Edward Nwenu at its former national secretariat old timber shed Abakaliki in a meeting that was conveyed in the presence of my predecessor, prince Maurice Mbam, so, if by any way a candidate has given them money, they should eat it and allow the forum to be focus on our project.
“I’m appealing for support from our sister clans and this which we are happy they’re also giving their nod “he stressed.
In their separate remarks, the three Local Government Chairmen of Izzi clan, including Hon.Ebere Nwogba, Hon. Stephen Nwankpa and Hon. Barr. Chinedu Uburu of Abakaliki, Izzi and Ebony respectively, called on the people of other clans to uphold the principles of equity by supporting Izhi people to ensure the emergence of Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru as the next governor of the state.
They emphasized that Nwifuru was considered the best among all the candidates vying for the position of the governor in Izhi clan, in view of his past antecedents especially as the Speaker of Ebonyi State House of Assembly.
On his part, the Chairman of the occasion, Hon. Darlington Mbam, the FON National President, Comrade Chinedu Emerike and the national president Ebonyi/Cross River peace movement, Prince Pascal Nwenyi who reflected on the history of Izzi Youth Forum thanked the leaders and the members of the forum for their commitments and unity of purpose in promoting the aims and objectives of the body and advised them never to backslide in pursuit of their noble course.
In his vote of thanks, the Committee Chairman and Coordinator Ebyia Development Center, Hon. Uchenna Nwankpuma thanked the council chairmen, the stakeholders and every other persons who supported for the successfulness of the even and expressed hope that the emergence of the APC Guber candidate who’s a member would make the next year’s celebration more colourful.