Tag: Ohanaeze Ndigbo

  • Ohanaeze knocks INEC over manipulation by politicians

    Ohanaeze knocks INEC over manipulation by politicians

    Ohanaeze Ndigbo has blamed INEC for any manipulations they are experiencing from politicians, saying that they left openings for such manipulations.

    The apex Igbo socio-cultural-cultural body said it would be unfortunate if despite all the opportunity and funds provided for INEC could not provide water-tight security for its vital materials.

    “They are supposed to be the regulator. They are supposed to regulate the electoral process, and the Commission that is supposed to regulate the election is now complaining. Where are we going?

    There should be a mechanism in place to ensure things work according.

    “We are supposed to complain to them but now they are the ones complaining to us.

    “There must be opening, that is why some of these things are happening.

    “If indeed there is electronic model they are trying to use, of course these things will not be happening.
    “There is opening for people to begin manipulating the 2023 election.Their body language is indicating that maybe they are going away to what they presented to the public.

    “They are part of the problems for not providing proper mechanisms to avoid all these irregularities.

    “That is exactly what they have been doing, what they in INEC for a very long time till now, and if with all the opportunity and money given to them, they have not been able to ensure a credible election and avoid irregularities; it is unfortunate”, Ohanaeze Ndigbo National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Alex Chidozie Ogbonnia said.

  • 2023: Ohanaeze endorses Obi for presidency

    2023: Ohanaeze endorses Obi for presidency

    The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has officially endorsed the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, for the 2023 general elections.

    Ohanaeze said Obi represented “Nigerian conscience, moral probity, generational hope, redemption epiphany, and above all, the Igbo collective unconscious.”

    The Igbo body, which stated this in a statement on Sunday titled, ‘2023: On SMBLF Position We Stand,’ signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Dr Alex Ogbonnia, noted that the Labour Party’s candidate had filled what could have been a sad gap if he had not been on the ballot.

    The statement said, “In the first place, going by the principles of zoning and rotation of power in Nigeria, which have been in existence since 1999, it is the turn of the South East of Nigeria to produce the president in 2023.

    “Second, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has canvassed to various eminent persons in Nigeria, seeking their support for the presidency in the South East come 2023. We are delighted by the responses from various groups and highly placed patriotic Nigerians.

    “Third, Ohanaeze works in collaboration with the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF), comprising the Afenifere, PANDEF, Middle Belt Leaders, and Ohanaeze Ndigbo led by an elder statesman, Chief E. K. Clarke. The group, in its quest for Nigerian unity, peace, and sustainable national development, has endorsed Mr Peter Obi as its candidate for the 2023 general elections.”

    It added, “On the other hand, Ohanaeze brought a commodity to the market, and now the world is clamouring for it. We are rather excited, happy, and fulfilled that Nigeria is now in full possession of the commodity.”

    Ohanaeze stated that it endorsed Obi not only based on equity and justice but also on “merit, competence, a track record of accomplishments, and the veritable ideas that Obi espouses for a better Nigeria.”

    The apex Igbo body noted that despite concerns that Labour Party had no structure, the Obidient Movement was “a massive disruptive reaction against the deplorable Nigerian pathologies.”

    “People use the Obi phenomenon to express dissatisfaction with the status quo. It is a revolt against injustice, poverty, unemployment, corruption, and all other forms of vicious circles that have become the trademark of Nigeria. In other words, every revolution is a structural change,” the group added.

  • Peter Obi: Soludo Is An Enemy of The New Nigeria– Ohanaeze

    Peter Obi: Soludo Is An Enemy of The New Nigeria– Ohanaeze

    Apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has reacted angrily to Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo’s diatribe against Mr. Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate.

    Soludo had in a lengthy letter, ruled Obi out of the presidential race, declaring that the LP candidate was merely catching a cruise.

    However, in a statement made on Tuesday, by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the Secretary-General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, he described Soludo as a dog in the manger enrolled to discredit Obi’s legacies.

    The Ohanaeze scribe said based on the unjustified development, “Ndigbo have dragged Governor Soludo to the two famous divinities and deities (Chokoleze in Mbaise and Ubiniukpabi in Arochuku) for his unreasonable public behavior.”

    He said it was clear that the Governor was fighting Peter Obi over his future ambition to be President in 2031.

    “Governor Soludo’s actions are ridiculous, unreasonable and premature; there was no locus for the Governor’s outburst and the sanctions against Soludo to face Igbo deities will serve as a deterrent to Southeast politicians who have been hired by enemies of Ndigbo and Nigerians to derail the Obi’s Presidency in 2023.

    “Governor Soludo exposed and indicted himself of treachery when he discredited APGA and Labor Party’s Presidential candidates as not viable alternatives to win the 2023 elections.

    “How can a State Governor of two Presidential candidates (APGA and LP) make such a public declaration.

    “He has confirmed that he is the number one enemy of the New Nigeria and was hired by an unpopular Presidential candidate who is looking for Igbo politicians to pull down Obi’s popularity ahead of the 2023 election,” Ohanaeze further stated.

    It advised Soludo to concentrate on the current crisis in Anambra State and APGA and stop casting innuendo and aspersions on the person of Mr. Peter Obi, “who is not in the same political party with him and is not fighting the Anambra State Government.”

  • Ohanaeze Ndigbo kicks against interim forfeiture of Ekweremadu’s assets

    Ohanaeze Ndigbo kicks against interim forfeiture of Ekweremadu’s assets

    The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has faulted the hasty judgement passed by Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court to the effect that Senator Ike Ekweremadu should forfeit his 40 landed properties.

    Ohanaeze in a statement issued on Saturday, through its National Publicity Secretary, Dr Alex Ogbonnia, said it stands on moral probity to state that a hasty exparte motion filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on a man who is undergoing some travails in the United Kingdom falls short of ethical standards and natural justice.

    The Igbo apex body maintained that Ekweremadu should be given the opportunity to defend himself on his properties, and if found wanting should surely face the consequences.

    “We are aware that there are several allegations of corruption cases pending in the EFCC but the urgency and selective judgment in the case of Ekweremadu are not only curious but indeed true to type.

    “Ohanaeze Ndigbo calls on all the Nigerian legal luminaries of goodwill to intervene against gradual steps towards totalitarianism in Nigeria.”

  • Kanu’s Trial: Honour your Words In Order to Restore Peace – Ohanaeze tells Buhari

    Kanu’s Trial: Honour your Words In Order to Restore Peace – Ohanaeze tells Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari has been told to honour his earlier stance on the ongoing trial of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

    President Buhari had consistently said Kanu’s fate would be decided by the judiciary.

    Responding to appeals by traditional, religious and political leaders in the region for the release of the detained leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, the president had said:

    ‘‘I have listened carefully to the various appeals from the elders to the traditional leaders regarding a wide range of options, and as I have said previously this matter remains in the full purview of the courts where it will be properly adjudicated.”

    However, just last week, the IPOB leader was acquitted by the Court of Appeal.

    But the euphoria that greeted the court order is gradually dying down, with the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami declaring that Kanu would not be released anytime soon.

    Speaking on the development, the National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike said President Buhari should show leadership by respecting his own words.

    In a statement made on Tuesday, Okwu said, “it is a source of worry that the Buhari-led presidency is foot-dragging in obeying the Appeal Court’s order on Nnamdi Kanu.

    “Recall that Igbo leaders, including the international community had at several times asked the President to apply a political solution to Kanu’s case but he said the court would decide on that. Now that the court has ruled in Kanu’s favour, the supposed Chief law officer of the federation, Abubakar Malami is busy deceiving the government.

    “We ask Mr. President to show leadership; he should respect the rule of law; for the federal government of Nigeria to disobey valid orders of court is sending the wrong signal to the citizens and the international community.”

    “The President should without hesitation order the DSS to comply with that order and free Kanu is order to ensure total peace and security in the South-East and the South-South,” Okwu stated.

  • 2023: NdIgbo Are Well Prepared for Presidency — Ohanaeze

    2023: NdIgbo Are Well Prepared for Presidency — Ohanaeze

    Amidst doubts by sections of the country over the preparedness of the South East to contest for the presidency next year, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has declared that Ndigbo is today better prepared than the North in 2015 when Presidency was given to them.

    Ohanaeze however said that as much as the Igbo are ready; leaders are always instrumental to the emergence of their successors and urged President Muhammadu Buhari to play the required role expected of him as the President.

    The President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Prof. George Obiozor, in a statement yesterday, said that Igbos are prepared and ready for the 2023 Presidency, insisting that the position of things in Igbo land today is much more favourable and conducive than in 2015 and 1998 when President Buhari from the North emerged.

    “Let it be known and clearly understood that Ndigbo is more prepared than the North when President Buhari was elected in 2015. By then, Boko Haram had threatened to overrun the North and the country, and the nation’s priority then was security and the issue of who will guarantee security to the country favoured Buhari, a former Head of State, a General. The only preparation in the north was having available, a man like Buhari presumed to have the capacity to confront the security challenges in the North and the rest of the country.

    “In the South West, how prepared were they in 1999 when President Obasanjo was elected? Many people from the South-West did not vote for him in that election. The people of the southwest zone were deep in the crises of NADECO and displeasure over the June 12, 1993 election annulment. But notwithstanding, the Nigerian nation and the people through the two main national political parties zoned the Presidency to the South West to heal and reconcile the nation over the 1993 election crisis.

    “Today, if the truth must be told, the imperative of zoning the Presidency to the South East is an idea whose time has come.

    “Certainly, Ndigbo is prepared and looks forward to it as a national priority. It is also indeed reasonable and logical that before any other zone in the country goes for a second turn of occupying the office of the President, Ndigbo should at least have their first turn”, Ohanaeze said.

    The apex Igbo cultural body, therefore, urged President Buhari to play his required role to ensure that a southeast person emerges the president.

    “No leader in history was ever indifferent about who would succeed him and President Buhari will not be an exception. Consequently, it is expected that Mr President must have a critical role in the emergence of his successor.

    “To this effect, it is important for the President not to lose sight of political developments that may be injurious to national unity and corporate existence of the country. It is the national expectation that Mr President continues his policy of national healing and reconciliation to a logical conclusion”, Obiozor noted.

    Ohanaeze argued along with people who wonder how anybody who loves this country will talk of the Presidency coming to the South West in 2023, wondering why the southeast should be excluded or is southeast not part of Nigeria?

    “It will be unfair, unjust, and unpatriotic as well as against the national spirit and interest to deny Ndigbo their opportunity and pretend as if they do not exist as part of the Nigerian nation.

    “Ndigbo waited patiently and cooperatively for the Southern zones, South West and South-South to have their opportunities to produce the country’s Presidents. Who wants to push Ndigbo out of Nigeria by denying them a place in history, to produce the President of Nigeria?” Ohanaeze wondered.

    Continuing, Ohanaeze Ndigbo cautioned leaders in Nigeria to “be mindful of those who want to pursue a politically motivated strategy that treats the South East as a hostile territory which is a grossly wrong and unacceptable definition of the situation in the southeast”.

    Alluding to agitation by members of IPOB, the statement reminded Nigerians that “an overwhelming majority of Ndigbo do not believe in secession or separatism from Nigeria. An Igbo President will focus on what can be done, instead of arguing over what is impossible.

    “Indeed, there is no doubt that in the history of Nigeria from Nnamdi Azikiwe to the present, Ndigbo has demonstrated the highest virtues of patriotism and genuine nationalistic propensities. By history and character, what defines Ndigbo is the friendliness and peaceful coexistence with others regardless of tribe, religion, or race. Ndigbo is market people, travellers, entrepreneurs, or businessmen.

    “We know that the devil in Nigerian politics is power-sharing and an Igbo President will demonstrate to all Nigerians that power-sharing can be done peacefully, justifiably with equity and fairness to all and his willingness to take last.

    “The fear of Ndigbo by other ethnic groups is equally unjustified and fiction of the imagination of those who create a distorted image of Ndigbo. We seek a solution and not a blame game”, Ohanaeze assured.

    “Consequently, indeed, it is politically wise and reasonable, morally justifiable and defensible and patriotically persuasive for all the parties to zone the Presidency to the South East. For any zone in the South to aspire to hold the Presidency twice while the southeast has not had it even for once, will be politically and morally unjustifiable and a national political blunder as well as a clear and open case of discrimination.

    “Above all, it smacks of reckless political adventurism to despise or ignore other people’s feelings or their fundamental rights as fellow citizens. No politician in Nigeria this time should have the illusion that Nigerians don’t know what is wrong or right; Nigerians are awake.

    “In Igbo land today, we have many competent personalities that can confront and solve Nigeria’s perennial and endemic socio-political problems and guarantee peaceful coexistence for all the citizens regardless of ethnicity, religion, or race. We are ready and with an Igbo President, Nigeria and Nigerians will experience the true meaning of a Federation with justice, equity, and fairness”, Obiozor assured in the statement.

  • FG must produce Nnamdi Kanu in court – Ohanaeze Ndigbo

    FG must produce Nnamdi Kanu in court – Ohanaeze Ndigbo

    Socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has called on the Federal Government to produce the detained leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, in court on Thursday, October 21.

    According to the group, dialogue was the best solution to ending the crisis and youth restiveness in the South East .

    Its National Publicity Secretary, Alex Ogbonnia, in a statement, said Kanu’s appearance in court was necessary to prove to the global community that a shady judicial process is not contemplated while he is on trial.

    “Ohanaeze Ndigbo calls on President Muhammadu Buhari to ensure that our son, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is produced in court on Thursday, October 21, 2021.

    “Ohanaeze Ndigbo stands on a firm wicket to proclaim that the agitation and youth restiveness in the South East of Nigeria is simply a reaction or an effect or the consequences of an orchestrated alienation by the Federal Government over the years.

    “History shows that it is extremely difficult to have peace amidst injustice. Emphatically, we need not look elsewhere to know that IPOB is simply an exponent of the Igbo collective sentiments and predicaments in our tortuous journey and an unquantifiable sacrifice for one Nigeria.”

  • BREAKING: George Obiozor emerges President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo

    BREAKING: George Obiozor emerges President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo

    A former Nigerian ambassador to the United States, Israel, and Cyprus, Prof. George Obiozor, has emerged President General of the Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

    Obiozor emerged in an election held at Dan Anyim stadium in Owerri, the Imo state capital, on Sunday.

    This is as other candidates for the position of the President General boycotted the election.

    The Board of Trustee member representing Rivers State at Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Dr Jackson Omenazu, who spoke to newsmen at the venue of the election, declared the process that brought Obiozor to power as fraudulent.

    Details later…

  • Ohanaeze: Imo election an act in futility, shun exercise – Okwukwu to Ndigbo

    Ohanaeze: Imo election an act in futility, shun exercise – Okwukwu to Ndigbo

    A factional Deputy President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Dimm Uche Okwukwu had advised Ndigbo against taking part in any election being organized in Imo State in the name of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

    This is coming after Okwukwu was elected alongside others at a parallel Ohanaeze election, which was held in Enugu on Saturday, under the Prince Richard Ozobu election committee.

    Another election is underway in Imo State, being conducted by the Chief Garri Igariwey committee.

    But in a statement he made available on Sunday, Okwukwu said the tenure of Chief Nnia Nwodo-led executive had expired and that as such, it lacked powers to spearhead an election.

    His statement read: “The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has received credible information to the effect that Chief Gary Igariwey, who had in the last two weeks purportedly claimed to chair a non-existing Electoral Committee, EC, is about to organize an election in Owerri, Imo State, with the aim of announcing an illegal National Executive Council, NEC, we therefore wish to inform the general public that:

    “The Igariwey committee is illegal, null and void. It is a subject of litigation before an Umuahia high court and we urge Ndigbo to completely disassociate themselves from such illegality. Any action, commission or omission, by the Igariwey-led committee is of no consequence. Whatever emanates from it cannot stand the test of time.

    “In my former position as Secretary General before the midnight of 9th January 2021 when my term constitutionally expired, I repeatedly said any Imeobi, NEC, Council of Elders or General Assembly summoned by persons other than me was illegal, null and void.

    “What is frightening today is that a purported election is being conducted after the 9th January 2021 expiration of the term of office of the former NEC. One wonders what the Igariwey charade is all about? How can an election be conducted after the expiration of term of office? Even the Nigerian state does not conduct election outside the term of office of an executive. If what is about to happen in Owerri had happened in the larger Nigeria, Ndigbo would have condemned it. How

    “I call upon Ndigbo to rally round their newly elected President General, Engr Chidi Ibeh, and members of his NEC. His emergence, against threats of ostracism and violence, is a true testament that Ndigbo are a free people with the capacity to decide who leads them.

    “We congratulate all Igbos, particularly those who mistakenly bought forms from the Igariwey committee to contest for offices, particularly the office of the President General, PG, and who for the greater interest of Ndigbo withdrew from the election in the face of overwhelming irregularities. We congratulate Dr Joe Nworgu, Chief Chris Asoluka and Professor Chidi Osuagwu. These men of honour will be remembered when the history of Ndigbo is properly written.

    “Finally, my deepest gratitude goes to the highly efficient Global Igbo Leaders for the great role it played in seeing that Igboland remains stable without violence. I must mention Prof Uzodinma Nwala of Alaigbo Development Foundation (ADF); Prof Anthony Ejiofor and Dr Festus Okere of World Igbo Congress (WIC) USA; Dr Nwachukwu Anakwenze, Chief Christian Onuorah and Chief Oliver Nwankwor of Igbo World Assembly (IWA) Worldwide and Prof Chika Moore and Ngozi Odumuko of Nzuko Umunna (USA and Nigeria).

    “Ndigbo recognize the immense contribution of Ben Allison of Ndi Igbo Canada; Luke Nwannunu of Ekwe Nche USA; Barr Austin Okeke and Mazi Obi Okoli of Igbo Board of Deputies Worldwide and Barr Alex Coker Ezeamakam of Council of Igbo Communities UK. We are proud of Ogbuefi Delly Ajufo of Aka Ikenga Nigeria; Mazi Obi Okoli of Council of Igbo Leaders UK; Chief Oliver Nwankwor and Barr Alex Coker Ezeamakam of European Igbo Communities (EIC) Europe and Mazi Amadiebube Mbama of Council of Igbo States in America (CISA) USA.

    “It is not true that after the 1929 Aba Women Riots, the Igbo woman turned her back on politics. Iyom Josephine Anenih and Mrs Regina Amadi of Nkata Ndi Iyom Igbo (Nigeria and Uk) are resolute in advancing the Igbo interests. I thank these great amazons; including Mrs Joy Ukaegbu and Mrs Eunice Onwuamaegbu of One Voice UK; and Mrs Amaka Agabi of Women Support and Mediation Group UK.”

  • Ohanaeze Ndigbo is illegal, Lawyer says as he files suit to end group

    Ohanaeze Ndigbo is illegal, Lawyer says as he files suit to end group

    The counsel for Ohanaeze Ndigbo General Assembly, Amobi Nzelu, has declared that the group is an illegal group.

    Nzelu filed a suit on Sunday, November 29, asking the police and the Department of State Services to stop the Ohanaeze Ndigbo election slated for January, 2021.

    Nzelu also urged security agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, to arrest the outgoing President General of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo, and other principal officers of the Igbo apex socio-cultural organisation, past and present, for allegedly running the organisation illegally.

    In a petition the Ohanaeze Ndigbo General Assembly claimed to be the authentic body permitted by law to run the affairs of Ndigbo as a socio-cultural group.

    Their petition read in part, “For more than two decades, people of Igbo extraction branded themselves as ‘Ohanaeze Ndigbo’ and this group or association at various times have been led by prominent people in some of the states that constitute Igbo-speaking areas.

    “However, it has been discovered that the said ‘Ohanaeze Ndigbo’ now being led by Chief Nnia Nwodo was not duly registered in accordance with the extant provisions of the law nor was any Article and Memorandum of Association defining or circumscribing their functions filed and registered on their behalf with the relevant authorities.”

    The petition added, “Stop Ohanaeze Ndigbo being led by Chief John Nnia Nwodo from conducting any election whatsoever into the offices of the illegal association in any of the states of the federation since the association is an illegal body.

    “Investigate the accounts and activities of Ohanaeze Ndigbo being led by Chief John Nnia Nwodo and all monies collected from individuals, governors and highly exposed political personalities.

    “Arrest, interrogate and prosecute the principal officers of the said Ohanaeze Ndigbo present and past, for running an illegal association. Disband the said Ohanaeze Ndigbo being led by Chief John Nnia Nwodo as being illegal.”

    The petition was copied to various security agencies and governors of seven states – Abia, Anambra, Delta, Ebonyi,  Enugu, Imo and Rivers.

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