ONITSHA (ANAMBRA) – Ohaneze Ndigbo, an apex Igbo socio-cultural group, on Thursday urged politicians to imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship while vying for elective positions.
A chieftain of the group, Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka, made this disclosure to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in an interview at Oba, near Onitsha in Anambra.
“Our politicians should learn how to take the outcome of the various political elections, whether at party or national levels, in good faith,’’ he said.
Ezeonwuka urged politicians to always learn from footballers who would not lose or win at all times.
He also advised politicians not to use their selfish interests and disagreements within their parties to cause disaffection among the people.
“Politicians should learn from footballers; what it takes to be a sportsman who knows that losing today does not mean he will not win another match tomorrow.
“One person can only win a contest and every other person who did not win should hail the victor and work with him or her.
“Losers should identify with the winner by sharing their ideals and vision with him or her for the greater benefit of the people and good governance,’’ he said.
He advised politicians to stop the attitude of “pull him down at all cost or sink the party’’ if their wishes and aspirations did not come true.
“Ohaneze will continue to give advice and play its role to ensure the growth of democracy, democratic principles and institutions.
“We will not fail to play our fatherly role of guiding our people aright, which will bring about enduring peace in Igboland and the entire country.’’ (NAN)