By Okechukwu Onuegbu
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), South East (Zone C), has reiterated the needs for aspirants for the 2023 Presidential seat from the region to reach out to their counterparts across the nation.
The NUJ in a Communique issued at the 2021 Anambra Media Parley, with the Theme:Media, Security and Sustainable Development- A Focus on the South East Geo-Political Zone, held in Awka on Saturday 11th December,2021, stressed that when aspirants engage with others, it will be very easier for them to win the election.
The Communique was signed by Chief Sir Innocent Igwe- National Trustee Zone C NUJ as Chairman, Secretary
Titus Eleweke- Anambra NUJ; Chief Chris Akaraonye, Chairman NUJ Imo State Council; Nweke Nweke- Anambra NUJ; and Mr Fancis Ekponye,
Chairman NUJ Anambra Council.
They read thus, "They Observed and Condemned the Continued dehumanization of Igbo People traveling on the Highways within the South East particularly along the Ihiala - Amorka- Mgbidi - Awomama Axis of the Onitsha- Owerri Road, by Security Agencies reminiscent of the Civil War Experiences.
"They Condemned a situation whereby the security operatives on the roads in the South East treat Igbo People traveling on these roads in their homeland,with utmost disdain, extreme humiliation, intimidation and unfathomable harassment which can not be attempted or contemplated in any other part of Nigeria.
"The Participants wondered why security personnel deployed on the Highways to ensure safety of travellers and other road users force Igbo Passengers including revered Royal Fathers and distinguished Political leaders to alight from their vehicles and raise up their hands before they are allowed to cross the Check points.
"They called on the leadership of Ohaneze Ndigbo and South East leaders of NUJ to meet the State Governors in the zone to quickly intervene to stop the ugly,Painful and unimaginable development to save Innocent travellers from this Agonizing humiliation before the situation gets out of hand.
"On the 2023 Presidential Election the participants enjoined Ohaneze Ndigbo to as a matter of necessity and urgency reach out to other geo political zones for their support on the imperatives of Nigerian President of Igbo Extraction.
"They called on well to do Igbo people to invest in the Media by Particularly establishing Television, Radio and Newspapers with a very wide reach to inorder to advance the Igbo Course and tell the Igbo story in the Nigerian context.
7.They called on qualified Igbo Politicians interested in the 2023 Presidential Election to begin to show
interest, consult widely,seek support and mobilize for the race as time is fast running out.
8.They urged Media Practioners in the zone to step up efforts towards sensitizing Igbo elites on the need to partner them for sustainable development of Igboland. The Participants equally called on South East Governors to always Partner and Effectively Empower the Ohaneze Ndigbo to enable her weather the storms and live up to the onerous responsibilities enthrusted on it as the Apex Igbo organization."