Ebonyi 2023: Group Seeks Power Shift to Izhi Land

From Victor Nwegede, Abakaliki

Ahead of the 2023 governorship election in Ebonyi State, the Izhi Gospel Ministers Association of Nigeria (IGMAN), has made a strong case for power shift to the Izhi sub ethnic group of Ebonyi State. The group therefore called on Governor David Umahi and other critical stakeholders in the state to work towards ensuring that the next governor of the state come 2023 is from Izhi clan.

The group further urged Umahi to ensure that equity, fairness and justice is upheld by electing a true son of Izzi Clan to occupy the governorship seat come 2023.

The members of the asssociation made the call during their annual prayer summit and the launch of it’s 2022 maiden calendar in Abakaliki, the State capital.

The group through its National President, Rev. Joseph Nwibo stressed the need for the continuity of zoning system as adopted since the creation of the State in 1996, which according to him, has produced Governors in the three senatorial districts in the State.

He revealed that, considering the zoning system, it is the turn of Ebonyi North again which should be the avenue of Izhi clan to choose one of their illustrious sons to go for them.

He described zoning system and harmonization as the best option in politics because it reduce crisis, bitterness and acrimony.

He called the people of Izhi clan to speak in one voice and shun any form of kindred dichotomy to achieve their desired target.

The Bishop of Anglican Diocese, Abakaliki, who also chaired the occasion Rt. Reverend Monday Chukwuma Nkwegu, noted that the association was established in 2019 for the purpose of praying for the peace of Ebonyi State land and expressed gratitude to God for sustaining the lives of Ebonyi people.

He enjoined other ministers of God from different clans in the State to develop such spirit and make prayers as their point of duty for the peace, progress, prosperity and overall development of the State.

However, the cleric said the Izhi Gospel Ministers Association under the watch of Reverend Joseph Nwibo has been growing tremendously and urged members of association to rise to their responsibilities and pray for the emergence of Izhi man as the next Governor of the State.

Augustine Nwaji, the Secretary of the association in his remarks, stated that IGMAM is a Christian body that is made up of all the gospel ministers of Izhi extraction which includes bishops, reverend ministers, reverend fathers, reverend sisters, evangelists, among others.

He added that the association was established to foster peace and unity with God and the society in general and also to collaborate with the State Government to enhance good governance, conflict resolution, rehabilitation and reconciliation.

Reverend Nicodemus Nwakpakpa, the Vice Chairman of IGMAN, disclosed that God has used them to liberate Izhi land and expressed his avowed determination towards actualizing the dream of Izhi people while calling on those perpetrating evil in the church to desist from it to avoid the wrath of God

Preaching on the topic, titled, Izhi Nnodo and divine visitation of God, Rev. Mathew Emmanuel Nnabuike, hinted that God’s time of visitation to Izhi land has come. “This is the right time an Izhi man will occupy the number one seat in Ebonyi State; “there is no going back” he insisted

Furthermore, the Executive Chairman of Ebonyi Local Government Area, Chief Mrs. Chinyere Nwogbaga applauded Izhi Gospel Ministers Association of Nigeria for organizing the prayer, describing it as round peg in a round hole.

The Council Boss maintained that Izhi people stand for equity, justice and fairness.

She said that, “Izhi people have been supporting other clans to go for governorship position in the State since the inception of democracy and at this time around we are praying for the God of equity to answer our prayers by choosing Izhi person with the fear of God who can develop the State to emerge as the governor.”

She further decried the issue of kindred dichotomy as employed by some selfish politicians in the clan and urged the entire Izhi people to strive for peace and unity among themselves.

Reverend Father Alex Eze, the Traditional Ruler of Nkaleke Echara Autonomous Community, HRH Eze Sunday Oketa represented by Chief Nwiboko George – the Traditional Prime Minister of Nkaleke Echara Autonomous Community, Eze John Nwenyi represented by Rev. Ezekiel Odada of all Saint Paramount of Evangelical Ministry and Engr. Andrew Sunday Opoke were among those who graced the event.

Meanwhile, the event featured intercessory prayers, praises and worship.