Former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, alongside prominent Igbo leaders, paid a New Year homage to elder statesman and former Governor of old Anambra State, Senator Jim Nwobodo, in his ancestral home at Amechi, Enugu South Local Government Area, on Tuesday.

The distinguished Igbo leaders who accompanied Obi on the visit included Sen. Ben Obi, Sen. Sam Egwu, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, and Sen. Gil Nnaji.

Nwobodo’s Words of Encouragement

Upon receiving the visitors, Senator Jim Nwobodo, an elder statesman in the Southeast, spoke warmly of Peter Obi, describing him as a “respectable and accepted” candidate among the people. Nwobodo emphasized that Ndigbo (Igbo people) deserved more from Nigeria, especially after 56 years of existence within the country. He urged Obi to stay focused on his political goals, adding that Ndigbo‘s rights and recognition were long overdue.

“This young man (Peter Obi), I have known him when he was governor, and we have been friends. I believe that God willing, because you have to put God first, whatever we have asked for him, God will do it,” Nwobodo said.

He also acknowledged the struggles of the past, referencing Nnamdi Azikiwe (Zik) of Africa and his contributions to Nigeria’s formation. Nwobodo pointed out that Zik would be disappointed to see the unfulfilled promises made to the Igbo people in the country.

“We still pray to God that one day an Igbo man will be the president of Nigeria,” Nwobodo remarked, reflecting on the unresolved aspirations of the Igbo community.

Obi’s Respectful Visit

Peter Obi, in his address, made it clear that the visit was purely for New Year’s well-wishing and not a political discussion. He said, “This is not the first time we are coming here, we just came to wish him the best of the New Year, healthy, fruitful years ahead.”

Obi promised that the group would return later for a more focused political discussion. He expressed gratitude for Nwobodo’s ongoing support and mentorship.

“We will come back to discuss politics and the way forward, and he will pray for us,” Obi added, hinting at future meetings where they would delve into key political matters.

Sen. Ben Obi on Nwobodo’s Influence

Sen. Ben Obi, a member of the visiting delegation, referred to Senator Jim Nwobodo as the “Godfather of South-East politics”, highlighting his significant role in shaping the region’s political landscape.

He explained that the purpose of the visit was purely to wish Nwobodo a prosperous New Year. Obi stated, “We decided to visit him as our leader and father, we have not come here to discuss politics today at all, it is just to wish him well as we agreed on Dec. 26.”

Obi noted that the visit was part of an annual tradition, underscoring the respect and reverence the Igbo political community holds for Nwobodo.

Future Plans

The delegation also hinted that future visits would discuss the growing political alignment between Obi and other political forces, including the Nike Lake Declaration of Peter Obi into the African Democratic Congress (ADC). According to Sen. Ben Obi, this would be the subject of a later, more complete visit where Nwobodo would be briefed on the ongoing developments in Igbo politics.

Key Highlights

• Peter Obi and Igbo leaders visit Sen. Jim Nwobodo to wish him a Happy New Year.
• Nwobodo urges Ndigbo to remain steadfast in their political aspirations and hopes for an Igbo presidency.
• Obi and others commit to returning for deeper political discussions in the near future.
• Sen. Ben Obi praises Nwobodo as a key figure in South-East politics.
• The visit was described as part of an annual tradition to honor Nwobodo’s influence and legacy.

This visit further solidifies the political bonds within the Igbo leadership as they continue to pursue the political future of the Igbo nation.