Igbo group rejects Umahi as Igbo Man of the year, urges him to emulate Nyesom Wike on infrastructural development

A prominent Igbo social group, the Eastern Youth Mandate, also known as Nzuko Ndi Igbo, has strongly opposed the recent selection of Senator David Umahi, the current Minister of Works, as the 2024 Igbo Man of the Year by the Chidi Ibeh-led faction of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

The group criticized the decision as a “misjudgment” and an affront to the values of merit and progress.

In a press statement jointly signed by the group’s President, Mazi Maxwell Chuma Ofili, and Secretary, Mr. Chuma Egbo, the organization expressed full support for the Concerned Igbo Elites Forum, which had earlier denounced Umahi’s nomination as “unacceptable” and a “kangaroo nomination.”

The Eastern Youth Mandate argued that Umahi has failed to meet the significant milestones required for such an esteemed honor, particularly pointing to his controversial tenure as Minister of Works, which has drawn widespread criticism for the poor state of federal roads across the country.

The Igbo group emphasized that such awards should be reserved for leaders who have made meaningful contributions to their communities and the nation.

They highlighted personalities such as Prince Arthur Eze, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu (Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives), Mr. Allen Onyema (CEO of Air Peace), Senator Hope Uzodinma, the late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, and Dr. Peter Mbah of Enugu as more deserving candidates. According to the group, these individuals have demonstrated impactful work in infrastructure development and socio-economic initiatives, which align with the values the Igbo nation and Nigeria as a whole should recognize and celebrate.

“We believe that merit and accountability must guide such recognitions,” the group stated. “Senator Umahi’s tenure as Minister of Works has been marred by significant criticism, particularly regarding the fixing of federal roads connected to the South-East region. His performance does not reflect the level of achievement expected of someone honored as Igbo Man of the Year,” they said.

The group called on the Chidi Ibeh-led faction of Ohanaeze Ndigbo to reconsider their decision and recognize leaders whose efforts have had a tangible, positive impact on the country. They stressed that such honors should go to individuals who exemplify leadership, progress, accountability, and sustainability of peace in the South-East region, especially under the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The Eastern Youth Mandate (Nzuko Ndi Igbo) urged Igbo groups, individuals, and all well-meaning Nigerians to reject Umahi’s selection and advocate for the recognition of leaders whose accomplishments genuinely reflect the spirit of service and excellence, free from bias and compromise.

As of now, there has been no official response from the Chidi Ibeh-led faction of Ohanaeze Ndigbo regarding the criticism of Umahi’s nomination.