Igbo in Plateau State have been urged to unite and support the paramount ruler, Eze-Igbo in the state, Prof. Joseph E. C. Obilom, and desist from factionalising the throne in the state.
The call was made by President-General of Igbo Community Association in the state, Barr. Jonah Okey Ezekwueme, at the palace of the paramount ruler in Jos, the state capital, when he led a mobilised delegation of Igbo associations in the five south eastern states of the country and Delta State to the Igwe’s palace.
Ezekwueme told reporters that the visit to the Eze Igbo’s palace was a show of solidarity to him for the good works he had been doing among Ndigbo in the state.
The occasion was the first of its kind in the history of the Ndigbo in Plateau State, organised as a mark of respect to the paramount leader, whom has distinguished himself in selfless service by ensuring the welfare of his people, especially in a volatile area witnessed by theatre of incessant crisis.
Ezekwueme said that the occasion was a mark of respect to the Igwe, and also to demonstrate and express their gratitude to a leader of whom they were proud of.
Said he: “Today, we have come to pay homage to our royal father, a man that has done us proud. If he is not doing well, you will not see the kind of crowd you have witnessed here today. It is also in history that my administration as the President General, is the first to have done this.”
Chief Ezekwueme, who will soon bow out as the President General said measures had been put in place to ensure a credible successor who will continue the good gesture.
He also called on those who are fractionalising the throne of the Igwe in Jos to desist from doing so, saying the Igbos in Jos have come out in their numbers to show solidarity to the only recognised crowned Igwe of whom they are well pleased.
In response, the Eze-Igbo, who is full of gratitude, showered his blessings on the people and prayed that the unity of purpose which radiates among his people will be sustained.
His words: “This is a special day for the Ndigbo in Jos. Today, they are paying homage to their Eze, as a mark of respect and love. You can see that my full cabinet and all chieftaincy title holders are all in attendance.”
The Eze-Igbo prayed that the communal and incessant crisis that has engulfed the state will soon be a thing of the past. (Daily Times)
