According to the report from the Vanguard, Former Imo State chairman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Prof. Chidi Osuagwu, criticized the South-East Governors' Forum for its ineffective leadership. He asserted that the forum has struggled to manage their collective union, which has hindered their ability to undertake joint projects effectively.
He said, "Leadership is about vision, and showing direction to the people on what to do, If the people are motivated to follow the indicated direction, the leader succeeds. No leader does everything alone. Any leadership is limited by its vision. If the Igbo people are not effectively solving their multifaceted security challenges at this time, then the leadership is failing."
Osuagwu also addressed the severe insecurity in Igbo land, which he attributed partly to "unexpected actors that wish the Igbo people ill." He acknowledged Governor Alex Otti of Abia State's temporary success in mitigating criminal kidnappings in the Umunneochi area but noted that recent disturbances in Aba signal ongoing challenges.
He said, "It is as if some forces wish no end to the insecurity in Igbo land. But the governors and community leaders should not be deterred."
Osuagwu lamented the lack of effective leadership in the South-East Governors' Forum, which he believes has hindered synergistic solutions to the region's insecurity issues. He urged the governors to set aside their egos and support any among them capable of providing solutions for the betterment of the Igbo Nation.
"There is pain in the land, from poverty, hunger, sickness and banditry, uncertainties of life all around. True leadership emerges at times like this. Let them show it," Osuagwu concluded.