A socio-political organisation, the Ebonyi Integrity Group, has urged former Senate President, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, and former Governor of Ebonyi State, Chief Martin Elechi, to consider taking up traditional leadership roles as they gradually withdraw from active partisan politics.
The group made the appeal during a press briefing in Abakaliki on Wednesday. Its spokesperson, Emmanuel Okogba, said the recommendation was intended to preserve the experience and wisdom of the two elder statesmen while creating room for a new generation of political leaders to emerge through a competitive democratic process.
Okogba said Senator Anyim and Chief Elechi had made significant contributions to the political and socio-economic development of Ebonyi State over the years. He added that their records of public service remained an important part of the state’s history.
The group, however, expressed concern over what it described as the recent political activities of the two leaders. It also apologised to the people of Ebonyi State over what it called their recent political conduct.
According to Okogba, Senator Anyim had publicly stated about 23 years ago that he had retired from active politics and would no longer participate in partisan political contests. The group said it was surprised by reports alleging that the former Senate President was now promoting a consensus arrangement ahead of future elections.
The organisation argued that any move to endorse a consensus candidate before a competitive electoral process could reduce opportunities for qualified aspirants to test their popularity through democratic elections.
The Ebonyi Integrity Group also appealed to residents to consider Chief Martin Elechi’s age and long record of public service before criticising his recent political engagements.
Okogba described Elechi as one of the founding fathers of modern Ebonyi politics and said his contributions to the state’s development should continue to receive public recognition and respect.
The group also claimed that some elder statesmen had not provided what it considered adequate guidance to the current administration in addressing governance issues. It alleged that the situation had contributed to delays in the completion and inauguration of some major government projects. The organisation presented the claims as its own opinion.
As part of its recommendations, the Ebonyi Integrity Group urged the people of Ishiagu and Ikwo communities to consider assigning traditional leadership responsibilities to Chief Martin Elechi and Senator Anyim Pius Anyim. It suggested positions such as traditional ruler, traditional prime minister or other respected community leadership offices.
The organisation further appealed to Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru to consider creating additional autonomous communities, where necessary and in line with the law, if that would provide an appropriate platform for the two elder statesmen to serve in traditional leadership capacities.
The group also called on the Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Chief Moses Ije Odunwa, to give prompt legislative consideration to any executive bill that may be transmitted by Governor Nwifuru for the creation of additional autonomous communities for that purpose.
According to Okogba, such a move would preserve the legacies and reputations of Senator Anyim and Chief Elechi while enabling Ebonyi State to continue benefiting from their experience in advisory and traditional leadership roles.
He said recognising the two leaders in that manner would honour their contributions to the political growth and development of Ebonyi State while allowing younger politicians to compete freely for elective offices.
Okogba also appealed to the people of Ebonyi State to remain peaceful and support candidates of their choice in the forthcoming governorship election based on competence, integrity, proven records and the ability to deliver people-centred governance.
He stressed that democracy thrives when citizens are free to choose their preferred leaders without intimidation or undue influence, adding that the future of Ebonyi State should be determined solely by the will of the electorate.
