The National Executive Committee of Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC) have endorsed Chief Chekwas Okorie, who is Presidential candidate of the United Progressives Party(UPP) for president.

OYC took its decision after they met on the 15th March 2015 in Enugu.

In a press statement made available to newsmen and signed by Comrade Chukwudi Anachuna, its national president, and Comrade Igboayaka O Igboayaka, publicity secretary, OYC resolved that Ndigbo have been neglected and undermined by the ruling party, the main opposition party and many others.

“Yet, none of the presidential candidates have visited Igboland for proper consultation and town hall meeting with the Igbo electorate as has been done in order parts of Nigeria.

“This simply means that the candidates are taking Ndigbo for a ride by not wanting to have a proper understanding with Ndigbo on our particular position and interest,” he said.

It also expressed dismay that after 16 years of PDP led government, Igboland have remained the most backward area in the country.

"No visible achievement or development has been seen in the region, except big personal structures of these same Igbo politicians telling us to vote for one candidate or another. They are just pushing for their greed and self-interest while singing sycophantic praises for the candidates. The OYC therefore appeal to the Ndigbo in these parties to stop sacrificing the future and interest of Ndigbo at the altar of greed and personal ego," he said.

The umbrella organisation, which unites all Igbo people across the globe also advised Ndigbo, especially the youths to participate actively in the coming general election.

“They should get their PVCs, make sure they vote wisely, monitor and secure their votes properly. All these should be done under the ambit of the law,” he also said.

The statement read in parts:"The NEC of OYC unanimously endorse Chief Chekwas Okorie, the candidate of the United Progressive Party (UPP) for the March 28, 2015 presidential general. We call on Ndigbo all over the globe to see Chief Chekwas Okorie as our own and the project of the Igbo person for Nigerian presidency as a clarion call to service and ideological support.

“The OYC NEC advised that Chekwas Okorie is a great, very wise and intellectually sound son of Igbo and would represent the aspirations of Ndigbo if he wins the presidency. Notwithstanding, United Progressive Party (UPP) is currently the only party in Nigeria that have presented a credible party manifesto as well as candidate manifesto that is very objective, transparent and touched the basic points that tend to define the proper existence of Nigeria.

“This manifesto by all standards will stand the test of time if given the mandate to be in power. We Igbo youths, from Southeast and South-South Geopolitical Areas of Nigeria will work tirelessly to actualize this noble project, raise the pride of Ndigbo and save our race from total extinction,” it stated.

•Photo shows Chekwas Okorie.

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