Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo yesterday elected its new executive without the participation of South East governors.
A Prince of Ebonyi State and an industrial chemist, Nnachi Enwo-Igariwey emerged as president general of the organisation. He was returned unopposed as the other two contestants reportedly chickened out in the last minute.
Dr. Joe Nworgu who dusted two others with 211 votes to their 43 and 10 emerged as the new secretary general.
The new president general, Chief Igariwe described the election as peaceful, saying that Igbos were peaceful people.
Meanwhile, a contestant to the position of deputy president, Chief Emma Nwankpa was on the eve of the election shot by unknown persons.
Chief Nwankpa, a prominent member of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Enugu was allegedly accosted by the suspected assailants at the entrance of his house.
A source said he? was said to have offered them his wallet for them to spare him but the offer did not stop them as they shot him on his two legs after collecting the wallet and sped off in a car.
Nwankpa who is now receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital did not participate in yesterday’s election which he lost.
Police spokesman, Ebere Amaraizu said they were investigating the incident.
Meanwhile, the election was conducted under heavy security presence as there were? fears that the election could be disrupted by people who were not comfortable with the emergence of some candidates that participated in the election.
On why the South East governors did not show up for the election, he explained that many prominent Igbos were in attendance and pointed out that Ohanaeze election was not for the governors to conduct.