KINGSLEY EBERE
The new executives of the Igbo Speaking Community in Lagos State have paid an official courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BOT), Dr. Jonathan Nnaji, in his office in Lagos.
The visit, led by the President General, Chief Chukwudi Chinye, was to officially inform the BOT of the removal of the former President, Chief Sunday Udeh and his executive members.
During the visit, Dr. Nnaji received the new leadership and advised them not to turn the Igbo Speaking Community into a battleground.
Receiving the new executives, Dr. Nnaji advised them to prioritize peace, unity and development of Ndigbo in Lagos State.
He cautioned the leadership to avoid any form of rancour or divisive actions that could affect the progress of the community. According to him, the primary objective of the organization is to promote the welfare, culture and unity of Igbo people residing in Lagos.
Dr. Nnaji also clarified the allegation by the new executives that the BOT did nothing when they wrote to him concerning the alleged illegal activities of Chief Udeh.
Providing more details, the BOT Chairman explained that some aggrieved members of the community had earlier written a formal petition to the Board of Trustees against Chief Sunday Udeh.
He stated that the petition contained allegations of gross misconduct against Chief Udeh’s leadership. The aggrieved members later wrote a reminder letter to the BOT on the same issue.
Following the receipt of the petitions, Dr. Nnaji said the BOT acted in accordance with due process by writing an official letter to Chief Sunday Udeh, requesting him to respond to the allegations levelled against him.
However, according to the BOT Chairman, Chief Udeh did not respond to the allegations. Instead, he reportedly replied to the BOT stating that their activities were illegal and that he would not respond to their query and published on the social media.
Dr. Nnaji noted that since then, the BOT has been closely monitoring developments within the Igbo Speaking Community.
He assured that the Board of Trustees is committed to ensuring stability and would make its official position known on the matter at the appropriate time, in line with the constitution of the community.
He further advised the new executive led by Chief Chukwudi Chinye to present the documented process that led to the removal of Chief Udeh to ascertain if it was in line with the constitution, adding that the BOT will also invite Chief Udeh for fair hearing.
Dr. Nnaji thanked the new executive for recognizing the BOT, noting that there are some individuals who do not recognize the BOT and have taken over the roles of the Board.
The leadership crisis in the Igbo Speaking Community, Lagos, has generated mixed reactions among members, with many calling for a peaceful resolution and respect for the constitution of the association.
The courtesy visit by the new executive to the BOT Chairman is seen as a significant step towards legitimizing the new leadership and fostering a harmonious working relationship between the BOT and the executive arm for the overall interest of Ndigbo in Lagos State.
As of the time of filing this report, efforts to get a response from Chief Sunday Udeh on the development were unsuccessful.
