By Mike Odiakose
Members of the National Association of Igbo Youths, the Umbrella Organization of all Igbo Youth Associations in Nigeria have lampooned Senator Andy Uba over the N50 million debt he is owing billionaire, Prince Arthur Eze.
In a statement issued by the group’sNational President, Okechukwu Ndubuisi and National Secretary, Barrister Tosh Orji Nnanyelugo Chuks, they said they watched with bewilderment and shock, the ongoing tirade by Senator Uba against a very respected Igbo son and philanthropist, Prince Eze over the alleged loan which the Senator took from Prince Eze.
“We read the account of Prince Arthur Eze and have studied the defence of Senator Uba as well as the two court judgements on the matter and our preliminary position is that Senator Uba has very vital questions to answer.
“Senator Andy Uba said that Prince Arthur Eze did not give him a loan but claimed that the fifty million naira in question was a gift to his church by Prince Arthur Eze.
“We have independently verified that the cheque was issued in Senator Uba’s name and that he was also the one who withdrew the fifty million naira. So Senator Uba’s line of defence falls short when placed on the scale of the principles of truth and public probity.
“It is therefore the view of we, the Igbo Youths that any unwarranted attack against the person and integrity of Prince Arthur Eze over the matter is an afront on the entire Igbo race because of what he represents to the entire Igbo race collectively.
“No living Igbo man should attempt to denigrate the personage of Prince Eze, a towering African whose philanthropy has given countless number of Igbos succour, assistance and reasons to live.
“It is on record that no Igbo man alive has committed his personal resources to uplift and cater for our people like Prince Arthur Eze. Igbo youths are appreciative of this fact and very proud that God in his uncanny wisdom gave to the Igbos, this mighty Iroko of a man, Prince Arthur Eze.
“Over the years, the renowned oil magnate, Prince Arthur Eze, has remained an enigma and a phenomenon in Nigeria’s philanthropic space. Senator Uba should not seek to pay back his magnanimity with evil.
“Nigerians who have been following the trajectory of this business mogul will easily point to his record as a philanthropist without borders. Prince Eze’s doles out to the poor, homeless, sick and needy, no wonder we call him Ozoigbondu the Igbo word for the one who saves lives.
“He is indeed an illustrious son of Ndigbo who has used his wealth to touch the lives of many. Prince Arthur Eze is today the face of social magnanimity, human solidarity and material philanthropy in the entire Igbo land and beyond.
“Regardless of the circumstance, for Senator Andy Uba, in his press statement to have used derogatory words against his benefactor, is to say the least most disrespectful.
“The Igbo’s are known for a robust cultural heritage, which has respect for elders as an integral part. If Senator Uba is a true Igbo man the implication of this should not be lost on him.
“We therefore advise Senator Andy Uba to put aside his ego, go to Prince Arthur Eze in repentance and ask for forgiveness. It is only in this way, that he would be able to avoid an imminent ostracisation and being declared persona non grata by Igbo youths.
“Furthermore, since the courts have ruled against him in favour of Prince Arthur Eze he should do the needful, pay the judgment debt as a true Igbo man and save himself from further public damage that is eroding his credibility and integrity over this lingering debt crisis.”
