Lagos businessman and Ohanaeze Ndigbo presidential aspirant in the forthcoming election, Chief Emmanuel Ubah,(Otunba Ojoto) is determined to change the tide through his remarkable submission at the Truth and Reconciliation Committee in Lagos State.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that Chief Emmanuel Ubah, popularly known as Otunba Ojoto, appeared before the Truth and Reconciliation Committee and made the following submissions:
1. He stated that he possesses the capacity to unite not only Ohanaeze Ndigbo but the wider Igbo community in Lagos, having a clear understanding of the areas of disagreement and needs.
2. He disclosed that he has been an active member of Ohanaeze in Ota–Awori LCDA and was part of the LCDA’s delegation that attended the inauguration of Chief Solomon Ogbonna in 2018.
3. Chief Ubah stated that he hails from Ojoto in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
4. He has duly informed the Ojoto Community of his intention to contest the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos presidential position and after due consultations, received their blessings and support.
5. He also stated that he has subsequently informed his kinsman, Chief Leo Okafor (Oba Ojoto) of his intention to contest the position.
6. He noted that he would have reconsidered his decision if he had known that Chief Leo Okafor (Oba Ojoto) also intended to contest, as the latter did not disclose such intention to him and both had maintained cordial relations prior to the development.
7. He expressed concerns that it would be unfortunate for two brothers from the same community to contest against each other for the same position. However, he assured that he would not hesitate to do what is appropriate if further consultations so require.
8. Chief Ubah emphasized that his aspiration is strengthened by the fact that the Ohanaeze Lagos by-law does not currently provide for rotational leadership.
9. Nevertheless, he stated that if the Ohanaeze NEC and the general membership reach a consensus to allow other states yet to produce the president an opportunity, he would willingly step aside.
10. He added that stepping aside under such a consensus would not diminish his commitment but would rather encourage him to continue working with Ohanaeze at all levels.
11. Chief Ubah also debunked rumours alleging that he distributed large sums of money to certain individuals in pursuit of his ambition, describing such claims as false and inconsistent with his intentions for Ohanaeze.
12.He maintained that his consultations have been conducted strictly in line with Igbo tradition, involving only the presentation of water and kola nuts.
13. He concluded by promising to work towards restoring Ohanaeze to its glory days and to strengthen its statutes in order to prevent the recurrence of the issues that have led to the current crisis.
There has been reactions over his submission as many Igbo people described the submission by Chief Emmanuel Uba as a true display of leadership acumen, knowledge and skills, as he appeared calm, composed, and humble, which are rare attributes of great leaders.