The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has vehemently condemned the move by a group, known as Igbo Progressive Movement, IPM, to support the nomination of former Governor Ikedi Ohakim of Imo state, as the next President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
This move is coming less than 90 days to the scheduled election for a new President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, on January 10th-11th, 2025.
Reacting to the development, the organization, which described IPM as an unpatriotic Igbo organization urged Chief Ohakim to summon his righteous resolve and unequivocally decline from such inglourious adventure of pursuing a non-existent position as President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
“Recent actions suggest that an unpatriotic Igbo organization has been mobilized to entice Chief Ikedi Ohakim, a respected former Governor, into pursuing a non-existent position as President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo. We urge Chief Ohakim to summon his righteous resolve and unequivocally decline such temptations.”
Disclosing this in a statement on Wednesday,Okechukwu Isiguzoro, factional Secretary General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo stressed that it would be both shortsighted and detrimental for Chief Ohakim to act as an impediment to the emergence of the next President General from Rivers State.
He advised him to seek other positions in the political landscape of the Country as Ohanaeze Ndigbo was prepared to put its full weight behind him, in that regard.
According to the statement: “At this stage of his life, with a rich and storied political history, we implore him to focus on the political landscape, where his leadership is genuinely needed—whether that be as a Governor (for a single term), Senator, Vice President, or even the President of Nigeria in the near future. Should Chief Ohakim heed the voice of wisdom, Ohanaeze Ndigbo will fervently support his re-election as Governor of Imo State.
“Chief Ohakim must take heed and be mindful of those deceitful political elites who have misled two Igbo elder statesmen from Imo State, leading them to dismal ends, despite the numerous admonitions from the Igbo College of Archbishops and Bishops advocating for peace and restoration within Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
“He should recognize that the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo is presently in a constitutionally mandated transition period, and it would be both shortsighted and detrimental for him to act as an impediment to the emergence of the next President General from Rivers State.
“As a sagacious leader, Chief Ikedi Ohakim is certainly aware of the sacred opportunity he was afforded during his tenure as Governor of Imo State from 2007 to 2011. In spite of the myriad challenges that marred his administration, the divine has cleansed his reputation; thus, it is incumbent upon him to reject the allure of those whose intentions do not align with the prosperity of our people.
“He must refuse any invitations to act as an obstacle in this critical transitional phase for Ohanaeze Ndigbo. The restoration of our Igbo lineage in Rivers State, which has suffered greatly since the Biafra War, is a mission requiring collective strength and unity.
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“We strongly condemn any attempts to amend the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Constitution with the aim of facilitating a tenure elongation for the current President General from IMO State by any means. Such actions are inherently illegitimate and betray the principles upon which our esteemed organization was founded. We characterize such proposals as sordid—satanic and barbaric in nature—and we wish to communicate this without any ambiguity.”
Isiguzoro further emphasized that the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo has thrown its weight behind the emergence of the next President-General of the group from Rivers State.
The Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo who explained that the call for the next President-General to emerge from Rivers State was an indisputable constitutional matter and right of the River people, warned misguided Igbo leaders to desist from plotting against the stand of Ohanaeze Ndigbo come January 10th-11th, 2025.
He added that “to deny Rivers State the opportunity to assume the position of President-General in 2025 would constitute an egregious extension of 24 years of subjugation, an affront to the unity and aspirations of our people.”
According to him, “there is no justification for the underhanded maneuvering aimed at sidelining Rivers State in the election for the next President General. The collective identity of our lineage in Rivers has faced relentless challenges, since the conclusion of the Biafra War in 1970, which have resulted in their marginalization.”
Isiguzoro,further added that the Igbo group “is neither a refuge for failed politicians nor a channel for political elites seeking to enhance their ambitions at the expense of our collective identity”.
He emphasized that “Ohanaeze Ndigbo was poised against any attempts to usher a former Governor into the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and that those contemplating such actions must heed the warnings of Igbo’s ancestral spirits, for historical precedents show that those who defy divine will face severe repercussions.”
“The Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the Apex Igbo socio-cultural organization representing the interests and aspirations of the Igbo people, finds it imperative to address a matter of profound concern that threatens the integrity and democratic foundations of our esteemed organization.
“With less than 90 days until the scheduled Ohanaeze Ndigbo General Election on January 10th-11th, 2025, we feel compelled to issue an unequivocal warning against the surreptitious schemes that are purportedly being orchestrated by two governors from the Southeast.
“This is a clarion call for us to reclaim and fortify our bonds with our compatriots in Rivers State. Our efforts are both a political necessity and a moral obligation, echoing the responsibilities we hold toward one another as members of the illustrious Igbo heritage. We must dismantle the artificial barriers that have served to divide us since the end of the Biafra conflict.
“As we approach the conclusion of the current President General’s tenure from Imo State, we reiterate that there is no vacancy to be filled through deceitful means. The palpable discontent permeating our communities—a reflection of the incessant tragedies we face—should serve as a resounding wake-up call to repudiate these entrenched illicit agendas.
“The deities of Igbo land and Chukwu Okike Abiama are displeased, and we implore all involved in these conspiracies to cease their treacherous designs and uphold the tenets of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Constitution, particularly regarding Rivers State’s rightful turn as President General.
“In conclusion, let this press release resonate as a firm affirmation of our unwavering commitment to transparency, unity, and the indomitable spirit of the Igbo people. We call upon all members of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, as well as our fellow citizens, to remain vigilant in confronting these challenges.
“Together, we will ensure that our next leader emerges through a transparent process that embodies the collective will of the Igbo people—an authentic representation of our hopes, values, and aspirations.”
