Prof Okonkwo Urges South-East Voters To Be More Politically Active As De Pinnacle Club Installs Him As Patron

The Executive Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, has said the Igbo must become more politically active and conscious, noting that community influence carries little weight unless it is applied to the choices that shape people’s lives.

Okonkwo spoke at the 10th anniversary of De Pinnacle International Social Club, themed “A Decade of Excellence and Impact,” held in Abuja at the weekend, where he was installed as patron of the club.

He said he has observed that prominent individuals and groups in the South-East often fight fiercely over who becomes a town union leader or traditional ruler, yet remain passive when it comes to electing governors, local government chairmen and other political leaders.

According to him, these political offices wield far greater power over the collective future of the South-East, therefore the energy spent on town union elections should be matched by equal attention at all levels of governance.

The elder statesman stressed that he was not calling for social clubs to become partisan. He said civic participation includes examining the records of those seeking office, engaging candidates on issues that matter to their communities, encouraging informed voting, and using collective influence responsibly.

He argued that concern for the welfare of a community should extend beyond philanthropy and fellowship to a responsible interest in the quality and character of those who govern it.

“If we are prepared to invest so much energy and influence in determining who leads our communities and traditional institutions, we should be equally prepared to ask the more consequential question of who governs the larger political jurisdictions within which those communities exist,” he said.

Okonkwo also urged the Igbo to think beyond state boundaries, pointing to Igbo communities in Rivers, Delta and Cross River States whose experience, networks and resources could strengthen a more cohesive region.

Accepting his installation as patron, he urged De Pinnacle to make its second decade more consequential through stronger fellowship, deeper service, wider partnerships and more visible impact.

He said the resources for national renewal lie not only in government institutions or large corporations, but also in the people, relationships and voluntary associations that make up Nigerian society.

“I accept that responsibility fully, and I look forward to playing my own part in helping Pinnacle translate its considerable social capital, fellowship and influence into even greater service to our people and society. I congratulate De Pinnacle International Social Club on ten remarkable years and wish the organisation an even more impactful second decade,” he said.