LAGOS MAY 30TH (NEWSRNAGERS)-The recent wave of very wrong narrative around the most respected and authentic Igbo professional group in Nigeria’s maritime sector, the Association of Igbo Maritime Practitioners in Nigeria (ASIMPIN), being naively interpreted and spread by a very tiny macrocosm of the media has become very needful to be corrected with the true narrative for posterity sake.
Firstly of all, the President General of ASIMPIN, HRH, Eze Dr. Amb. Damian Emeka Obianigwe remains a strategic figure in the nation’s maritime industry and this feat was never achieved by mere accident, but decades of industry hard work and leadership intelligence which he is known for.
Only recently and due to his unblemished personality and public administrative distinction that the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma has appointed him the Acting Chairman of Orlu Zonal Council of Traditional Rulers. It is very important to note that Orlu zone of Imo State remains the largest geopolitical zone across southern Nigeria by virtue of the number of local government areas under it which is 12.
Aside the recent accolades, Eze Obianigwe is a lover of unity in diversity and can never be traced to issues of tribalism or anti-cultural negativities because as a first class traditional ruler, he remains am amour bearer of peace, unity and chief custodian of culture.
The scenario being painted that he was silent when someone called someone ‘Ndi-Okalauzo’, meaning half-cast, does not arise in the first instance because the person being accused of saying that, has swiftly denied making such remarks. Besides, Eze Obianigwe is not a member of Tincan Chapter of ASIMPIN and therefore should not be dragged to an internal issue of the chapter in the first instance.
Reacting to the matter in a telephone interview, Eze Obianigwe made it clear that apart from the fact that he is not a member of Tincan chapter, he should not be dragged into an internal matter that has nothing to do with his person as the President General of ASIMPIN. He issues Gives forty eight hours for detractors to withdraw the tribal comment
He revealed that on the matter of financial audit, he has ordered a fresh committee to look into the report of the initial committee on the matter so that a critical review will be done and the matter fully settled once and for all.
Giving further insights, Eze Obianigwe averred that “ASIMPIN is a professional body built on common identity, brotherhood, dignity, and regional sense of belonging that can never tolerate any form of divisiveness or unacceptable ethnic coloration at all times”, warning that those involved in the spread of the falsehood should withdraw same within 48 hours or face a legal action bordering on defamation of character.
He made it clear that he is a lover of all Nigerians and Igbos from every part of Nigeria including Delta State and cannot all of a sudden turn against any member from any Igbo state.
Eze Obinaigwe stressed that there is no such comment to his hearing while at the event and should therefore not be dragged into an internal matter of the Tincan chapter.
Analysts say blaming someone on why he did not respond to a comment he did not hear in an association he was not even a member is very laughable and very degrading in the first instance.
On the intelligent of His Royal Highness, Eze Obianigwe in setting up another committee to look into the original findings of the review committee, industry observers and many members welcomed it, saying the new committee demonstrates a total commitment to fairness and due process. They argued that it is never an attempt ton dilute the findings of the first investigation committee or shield certain individuals from accountability.
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