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Tag: Ndigbo

  • Ndigbo chart new path to presidency

    Ndigbo chart new path to presidency

    One major obstacle that has stood between Ndigbo and their age-long ambition to produce the President of Nigeria is disunity. This has been fueled by greed, selfishness and lack of leadership structure among the Igbo. But at last, there is something to cheer. The Igbo are gradually coming together as brothers, irrespective of political or religious differences. They have decided to heal old wounds, reignite the kindred spirit for which the Igbo is famous and most importantly, go for the Nigeria’s Presidency as a people.

    Recent events, very much confirms this new Igbo spirit. Among them is the resolution of the leadership crisis that rocked the Igbo apex organization, Ohaneze Ndigbo. The polarization of the Ohaneze leadership structure had actually affected all genuine efforts to unite the Igbo in order to pursue any common goal, after all the Igbo will say that a man’s house cannot be on fire and he hunts for rat.

    This plan to reconcile the various factions of Ohaneze was initiated and sponsored by the Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, who had severally contested the Presidency of the country but failed due largely to lack of support and backing from his kinsmen.

    Today Ohaneze if back and the Igbo are gradually coming together to build a formidable bloc that can spearhead the actualisation of the ambition that has perpetually eluded them.

    Again the new resolve by Igbo political heavyweights to join the Imo Governor in the All Progressives Congress (APC) and form alliance with the North has been lauded as a bold step towards the age long dream.

    In a recent crucial meeting in Owerri, the Imo State capital, frontline Igbo politicians after a closed door meeting, resolved to work for President Muhammadu Buhari’s reelection in 2019 so as to get the support of the North for the much expected Igbo Presidency in 2023.

    At the meeting attended by former Senate President Ken Nnamani, Emeka Offor, Ifeanyi Araraume, George Muoghalu, Tony Eze, Ebuka Onunkwo, Jombo Offor, Imo Deputy Governor, Eze Madumere, members of the National Working Committee of APC, as well as other prominent politicians, it was disclosed that three serving Governors in the Southeast will be joining the APC to strengthen and consolidate the new plan.

    Speaking shortly after a closed door meeting, the host Governor,  Rochas Okorocha said, “now that Igbo leaders are together in APC, Nigerians will hear us. There is a vacuum of leadership in the Southeast APC. I am a Governor. My brothers Chris Ngige and Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu are Ministers, hence the importance of Ken Nnamani coming at this time. I declined the leadership of Ndi-Igbo in APC. With Ken Nnamani, the question of who is the leader of APC in the Southeast has been answered. Ken Nnamani is the leader of APC in the Southeast”.

    He continued, “Senator Nnamani should then work with other leaders like Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Jim Nwobodo and a host of others to give Ndigbo Political direction. Those who have joined the Party or who want to join should do so to build the party and not to cause confusion. APC is the right Party for the Igbo and the only Party that can guarantee Igbo Presidency”.

    Speaking further, he said, “We are going to support President Muhammadu Buhari for the eight years he is going to lead the nation. This is the time for Ndigbo to come and work together. We are also going to use the Anambra election to show that APC has arrived in the Southeast. The Igbo played bad politics in 2015. Today we have lost a lot. We are not anywhere because of our bad politics”.

    Governor Okorocha also disclosed that three serving Governors in the zone were in touch with him and will soon join the APC, adding that being the only APC Governor in the Southeast does not give him joy and advised that other Political leaders in the geopolitical zone should take “advantage of the moment and come into APC”.

    In his speech, Nnamani said the Igbo need more of their leaders at the National leadership of the APC where decisions are made and also at the National Assembly and other strategic areas.

  • Ngige to Ohanaeze: align Ndigbo with changing realities

    Ngige to Ohanaeze: align Ndigbo with changing realities

    The Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, has advised the new leadership of pan-Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, to reposition the Igbo nation to align the interests of Ndigbo with the changing realities of the nation.

    In his letter of congratulation to Ohanaeze’s new President General, John Nnia Nwodo, the minister said quality leadership was needed for the body to transform the prospect and yearnings of the people for a bountiful harvest into reality.

    Ngige said: “On behalf of Umu-Ngige clan of Alor in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State, I wish to congratulate you on your near unanimous election as the President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo.

    “It is safe to assert that your election is timely. The Igbo are republican, dynamic and very industrious. Our other name is hard work. The Igbo are also resilient.

    “Our leaders across the ages have combined these unique and eternal values with which the Almighty endowed the Igbo nation to give the people a characteristic foresight that stand us firmly, despite all odds.

    “However, it is for you and I to judge whether we have measured up to the standard of our forbearers in today’s Nigeria and its contemporary politics.

    “It is, therefore, my fervent hope that as the leader of the apex Igbo socio-cultural body, you will usher in an age of self-rediscovery.

    “It is my sincere expectation also that you will deploy your wealth of experience to reposition Ohaneze to strategically align with the interests of Ndigbo with the changing realities of our dear nation and, through that, transform our people’s prospects and yearnings for a bountiful harvest into a reality.

    “Knowing your antecedents and pedigree as I do, I have no doubt in my mind that you will excel and history will record you in the Igbo hall of fame. I wish you a very successful tenure.”

  • Eastern Assembly unveils new agenda of freedom for Ndigbo

    Eastern Assembly unveils new agenda of freedom for Ndigbo

    Igbo leaders, under the umbrella of Eastern Consultative Assembly, have unveiled a new political agenda for the zone, pointing out that from today, “No politician who is not in support of restructuring Nigeria will receive votes in Igbo land, from ward elections, through state and national legislative elections to governorship and presidential elections.” They added: “Our people will only vote for freedom from eternal slavery henceforth.”

    This was part of the resolutions of the group at the 4th meeting of the Eastern Consultative Assembly (ECA) held at the residence of Chief (Mrs.) Maria Okwor in Independence Layout, Enugu. In attendance, as usual, were leaders of the clergy (CAN, PFN), town unions, student groups, women associations, youth organisations and traders unions. Notable Igbo elders, traditional rulers and opinion leaders were also present.

    Also present at the meeting were relatives of Ndubisi Uzoma, who was beheaded by Fulani herdsmen last week in Abuja and Pastor Mike Agbahime who wept uncontrollably at the release of Dauda and co who murdered his 74-year-old wife, Bridget, in Kano in June this year. The well-attended meeting addressed myriad of problems affecting Eastern Nigeria and Ndigbo in Nigeria.

    A communiqué signed by the leader of ECA, Chief Mrs. Maria Okwor, and secretary of ECA, Evang. Elliot Ugochukwu-Uko, which was released at the end of the meeting, read in part:-

    “   The continued pretense by the central government, that the loss of faith in unitary Nigeria as shown by various agitations for secession can be resolved through force of arms is childish and actually paints government as unserious and insincere about the need to save Nigeria’s future. Every adult in Nigeria knows Nigeria’s survival is hinged only on a sincere restructuring of the polity along the lines of regional autonomy, anchored on true fiscal federalism according to the 1963 Constitution. Continuous delay in restructuring Nigeria only deepens the acrimony, distrusts and fears presently ruling the land

    “We condemn in its entirety the release of Dauda Ahmed and co, who were charged for the brutal murder of 74 year old Bridget Agbahime in Kano, on 2nd June 2016, and urge both the Kano State Government and the Federal Government to re-arrest and retry the five murderers in order to bring to justice the killers of this woman, as earlier promised by President Buhari when the ugly incident happened. Unjust developments, like the discharge and release of her murderers only garner more converts to the secession movement and further make it difficult for our people to believe in one Nigeria.

    “We also condemn the silence and non arrest and prosecution of Fulani Herdsmen who beheaded and carted away the head of citizen Ndubisi Uzoma in Iddo, airport road Abuja last week over incessant altercations with Fulani herdsmen due to the destruction of his farms by their cattle over time. Silence of the authorities over this heinous crime sends shivers down our spine, on the kind of Nigeria President Buhari is constructing and the place and future of our people in a Nigeria where our lives don’t seem to count.

    “   The continuous refusal by government to set up a Judicial Commission of Enquiry as demanded by the Senate, Amnesty International and others, over the brutal extra-judicial killings of our youths, especially on 9th February, 2016 at National High School Aba and St Edmonds Catholic Church, Nkpor, on 30th May, 2016 has earned the secessionist groups more sympathy and painted government as the villain. A probe into those killings will reassures all that Nigeria is home for all.

    “The current government strategy of “we have enough ammunition to deal with you people” exemplified by military operations named after all kinds of reptiles, is clearly not working. Identifying and addressing the issues that have led millions of young people to lose faith in Nigeria remains the only solution to resolving these agitations; military solution only excercabates it. The damage, the application of brute force has done to the psyche of the people is only winning the agitators more converts and more supporters daily.

    “ Truth remains, these agitations for cessation, are a direct consequence of the frustrations that emanated from the mistreatment of the East in the last five decades, unjust lopsided design of Nigeria against the East in the number of states and local governments, deliberate policies of denials, oppression and isolation of the East by successive administrations both military and civilian with the active connivance of the shameless Igbo political class who were and still are only interested in picking crumbs from the masters’ tables in their blind pursuit of individual pecuniary interest, is at the root of the loss of faith by the youth of their future in this unitary Nigeria. Shying away from the truth will not help us. The younger generation who are at the receiving end of all the evils of unitary Nigeria for too long, being at the bottom of the rung of the ladder, have lost hope that Nigeria will ever treat them justly, have therefore taken their fate into their own hands. Only dialogue can bring their souls back to one Nigeria, not brute force.

    “As a new awareness showily but certainly emerges from the ashes of these trying period, we warn our “leaders without followers” that their 46 years old self-centred agenda and mindless exploitation of the masses helplessness has abruptly come to an end, as they have to key in to the peoples demand of political restructuring of Nigeria, if they want to truly lead the people. They have no choice.

    “No politician who is not in support of restructuring Nigeria will receive votes in Igbo land, from ward elections, through state and national legislative elections to governorship and presidential elections. Our people will only vote for freedom from eternal slavery henceforth.”

  • MASSOB resorts to prayers as Kanu appears in court Dec 1

    MASSOB resorts to prayers as Kanu appears in court Dec 1

    Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) said its members would engage in charismatic prayer meeting at its headquarters, Okwe on Thursday December 1 as Nnamdi Kanu appears in court.

    MASSOB in a statement signed by its leader, Uchenna Madu urged “the people of Biafra all over the world to join them in praying, fasting and supplication for our brothers and Biafran heroes.”

    It maintained that just as it demands for the release of Nnamdi Kanu and others, “we shall maintain our non-violence position in our quest,”

    It called on the people of Biafra to intensify their efforts for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and others in Nigerian prisons.

    “We wish to inform our people that pro Biafra agitating groups including MASSOB, IPOB and others remained the political masquerade and pride of Ndigbo in Nigeria.

    “Succesive administrations of Nigerian government are afraid of Ndigbo in the present Nigeria state because of the activities and existence of MASSOB with the recent tempo of IPOB,” the statement posited.

    Expressing disappointment on Igbo leaders, MASSOB said:  “Until Igbo leaders understand the efficacies, potencies and political values of MASSOB, IPOB and others, they will never progress politically in Nigeria. Today, major Igbo leaders have abandoned Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, Chidiebere Onwudiwe, Benjamin Nwawuisi and Madubugwu of IPOB, Innocent Orji, Sabastine Amadi, Uchenna Nicholas and 17 others of MASSOB and Benjamin Onwuka and 12 others of BZM because they thought that these men pose threat to their political adventures in Nigeria or economic interest.

    “Every revolutionary struggle has symbol of leadership and motivation in its stages, though the individual personalities may not be perfect. Some years back, Uwazuruike was in this position until he derailed, today it is Nnamdi Kanu. Ndigbo shall not abandon their own son because of individual personal interest.”

     

  • Ekwueme rallies Ndigbo

    Ekwueme rallies Ndigbo

    Former Vice President Dr. Alex Ekwueme was the rallying figure as the Igbo in Anambra State pondered cohesion in the ethnic group, reports NWANOSIKE ONU

    Individual effort or success is not enough; if the Igbo hope to expand their stake and relevance in the country and assert more influence, they must come together and speak with one voice.

    That was the rallying cry of former vice president Dr. Alex Ekwueme as he spoke before a large gathering of Igbo political leaders and business executives in Amaokpala, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

    Self-pity is not an option, neither is putting the blame on someone else, Ndigbo were told.

    The state governor Chief Willie Obiano also spoke in the same vein, as did a governorship hopeful Godwin Ezeemo.

    No fewer than 57 traders described as most diligent in the 57 major markets in the state were honoured at the event, which was held at the Triple Tree Hotels in Amaokpala.

    It attracted other eminent sons and daughters of the state including Dr. Alex Obiogbolu, a one-time governorship candidate.

    It was organised by Anambra Consensus Project with Dr. Emeka Eze as its president. It was tagged the Southern Conference Traders Summit.

    Dr. Ekwueme narrated how Ndigbo used to live and help one another in the olden days, when, according to him, there was unity among the people. He lamented that such unity had gone in Igbo land, adding that without such cohesion, Ndigbo would continue to wallow in self-pity.

    He said the current economic recession in the country was caused by Nigerian’s dependence on importation.

    Ekwueme said, “Ndigbo should come together as one for their voice to be heard, our people should unite and we have to be our brother’s keeper, otherwise we will remain where we are today.”

    The state governor Willie Obiano, represented by secretary to the state government (SSG) Prof Solo Chukwulobelu, said Ndigbo should speak with one voice to get their fair share of the national cake. He said there must be a linkage between trade and industrialisation, adding that his administration would always partner with traders to move the state forward.

    Also, speaking, the leader of the Progressive People’s Alliance (PPA) in Anambra State, an entrepreneur, Sir Godwin Ezeemo, said what Ndigbo needed was sincerity among themselves.

    Ezeemo who aligned himself with Ekwueme and Obiano’s speeches, said without such, the much touted unity would continue to elude Southeast.

    The president of Anambra Consensus Project (ACP), Dr. Emeka Eze, said the 57 best practicing traders of the year would enjoy privileges courtesy of the group.

    He said the (ACP) was committed to promoting Igbo ideology, oneness of Ndigbo and a united direction of Igbo growth and development, the reason, according to him that brought Ekwueme, Obiano, Ezeemo together among others.

    He said, “It is of awesome note that out of the 57 major markets in the state, the smallest of them harnesses a daily turnover of N15 million, while the largest, erupts with an average of 260 million naira daily turnover”

    Former governorship candidate of the United People’s Party (UPP) in the state, Dr. Alex Obiogbolu, said nobody could pin Ndigbo down in the society.

    He believed that the failure of the unity of Ndigbo was made possible by their leaders, adding that the leaders must show the way for others to follow.

    One of the representatives of the awardees from cattle market in Awka-Etiti, Chief Felix O.M Okpalakunne, commended the organisers for finding them worthy of the awards.

    Also, Ekwueme, Obiano, Ezeemo among others commended Anambra Consensus project for such an idea, adding that such groups could bring Ndigbo together again in the South East.

    Furthermore the leaders said such a thing should be taken to our brothers and sisters in Delta, Rivers, Abia, Imo, Enugu and Ebonyi for Ndigbo to come together to pursue their goal.

  • How Nigeria can survive, by Ndigbo

    How Nigeria can survive, by Ndigbo

    The Igbo Leaders of Thought (ILT) has urged the Federal Government to respect the rights of the people to agitate for a better society, saying the country can only survive in an atmosphere of the rule of law.

    The President of the ILT, Prof. Ben Nwabueze, in a statement, said the agitation for self-determination being embarked upon by the Igbo does not mean secession. He said self-determination was guaranteed by the United Nations charter.

    Nwabueze added that the extreme polarisation of the country along religious and ethnic lines, as a result of the actions of the political parties and the Federal Government, was working against the development of Nigeria.

    He said: “Islamization obtains when the Quran is brought in as part of the law to regulate the lives of the people, as is the case in 12 northern states. These states have thus violated the religious character of the Nigerian state as provided in Section 10 of the constitution.

    “The statement by the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammed Sa’ad Abubakar, in The Guardian newspaper of 20, August, 2016 that “nobody can Islamize Nigeria” is intended to hoodwink us; the reality, as shown in the actions of the Federal Government, is different.”

    Nwabueze, a constitutional lawyer, criticised the Federal Government for neglecting the Federal Character principle in the appointment of the President’s kinsmen, tribesmen and fellow adherents of the Islamic faith to critical positions in the security services – Chief of Army, Inspector General of Police, Minister of Defence, Minister of Internal Affairs and the National Security Adviser etc.

    He explained that one of the cardinal elements of constitutional democracy was the concept of government of laws and not government of men or personal government.

    Nwabueze added: “The Islamization of the personnel of those institutions means the Islamization of the institutions themselves, and consequently the Islamization of the government and, by reason thereof, the state itself.

    “The activities of armed Fulani herdsmen who kill, kidnap, rape, burn and destroy crops and land with impunity has continued without any real action by the Federal Government to stop them. The herdsmen have been rightly perceived as advance foot soldiers of the Fulani jihadists.

    “The taking of Nigeria into the Organisation of Islamic Congress (OIC) and into the Islamic Bank Organisation as a member thereof is among the actions of the Federal Government designed to implement the Islamization Agenda.

    “We call on the Federal Government to stop the Islamization Agenda being pursued in these brazen manners. Christians all over the country and people of the southern states should be on the alert over these developments.

    “We also urge that the detained leader of IPOB, Mr. Nnamdi Kanu, should be released unconditionally. In fact, it should be appreciated that his continued incarceration is the factor that inflames the agitation and has kept it alive.”

  • Monarch urges Ndigbo to go back to farm

    The traditional ruler of Igbo Ukwu kingdom in Aguata, Anambra State Dr. Martin Ezeh has urged Ndigbo to prioritise agriculture as was once the case in the Eastern Region led by the late Dr. Michael Okpara.

    The monarch spoke during the celebration of National New Yam Festival  at Yam House, Etiti Village in the community.

    He said, “In 1962, Eastern Region during the era of the late Dr. Michael Okpara, was named the fastest growing economy in the world. Why can’t we re-enact such miracle even by our individual states, and we are calling on the federal government to begin restructuring so that Nigeria can practise full and true federalism. Without agriculture, nobody will survive because any being created with blood and flesh needs food which is agricultural produce.

    “Agriculture which is part of culture is symbolic of identity, whosoever that loses agriculture has no identity, no matter where you are, even the white men engaged so much on agricultural practices.”

    Ezeh, insisted that Igbo nation had always been known for innovation, industry, entrepreneur among others, which according to him, were the attributes that would make a country developed and advanced.

    He queried the rationale behind the backwardness of Ndigbo in investing in their homes despite the ingenuity and extra ordinary wisdom of the people.

    The monarch described the new yam festival as the time of coming together to celebrate the products of yam plantation in Igboland by the traditional rulers who were the chief custodians of tradition in the communities.

    The National chairman of Mbido Igbo Association, Mazi Okafouzu Ugochukwu, noted that the unity of any nation or tribe was guaranteed by their culture which according to him was the product of their religious belief.

    He said any attempt by any group of people to separate people’s culture from their religion meant chaos in such place.

    Ugochukwu, therefore, thanked the federal government for elevating the festival to an international status.

    The representative of the National Gallery of Art, Ibrahim Adamu therefore, adviced the Mbido Igbo Association (MIA), as the promoters of the Igbo culture to lure private and corporate organisations into the festival in future, instead of waiting for governments.

    He said that the federal government had concluded plans to back off from sponsoring cultural activities in Nigeria.

    The Director-General of Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Chief Dr. Sally Mbanefo was represented by Mrs. I. Fibi.

    She said that the corporation had done enough in promoting cultures in Nigeria, adding that Igboukwu New Year Festival was one of such in the Southeast.

    Again, (NTDC) said it had marketed the festival in various countries of the world including Spain, Britain, Germany, Dubai and South Africa, adding that soon investors would troop to Nigeria to explore the cultural heritage of the people.

     

  • Anambra monarch to Ndigbo: Engage in agriculture now

    The traditional ruler of Igbo Ukwu Kingdom in Aguata, Anambra State, Dr. Martin Ezeh, has called on Ndigbo to make agriculture their priority, as it was during the Eastern region, led by the late Dr. Michael Okpara.

    The monarch spoke at the weekend during the celebration of National New Yam Festival at Yam House, Etiti Village in the community.

    According to the monarch, “in 1962, Eastern region, during the era of the late Dr. Michael Okpara, was named the fastest growing economy in the world.”

    “Why can’t we re-enact such miracle even by our individual states, and we are calling on the federal government to begin restructuring so that Nigeria can practice full and true federalism.”

    “Without agriculture, nobody will survive because any being created with blood and flesh needs food, which is agricultural produce.”

    “Agriculture, which is part of culture, is symbolic of identity, whosoever that loses agriculture has no identity, no matter where you are, even the white men engaged so much on agricultural practices.”

    Ezeh, insisted that Igbo nation had always been known for innovation, industry, entrepreneur, among others, which according to him, were the attributes that would make a country developed and advanced.

    He queried the rationale behind the backwardness of Ndigbo in investing in their homes despite the ingenuity and extra ordinary wisdom of the people.

    The monarch described the new yam festival as the time of coming together to celebrate the products of yam plantation in Igboland by the traditional rulers who were the chief custodians of tradition in the communities.

    The National Chairman of Mbido Igbo Association, Mazi Okafouzu Ugochukwu, noted that the unity of any nation or tribe was guaranteed by their culture, which, according to him, was the product of their religious belief.

    He said any attempt by any group of people to separate people’s culture from their religion meant chaos in such place.

    Ugochukwu, therefore, thanked the federal government for elevating the festival to an international status.

    The representative of the National Gallery of Art, Ibrahim Adamu therefore, adviced the Mbido Igbo Association (MIA), as the promoters of the Igbo culture, to lure private and corporate organisations into the festival in future, instead of waiting for governments.

    He said that the federal government had concluded plans to back off from sponsoring cultural activities in Nigeria.

    The Director-General of Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Chief Dr. Sally Mbanefo, was represented by Mrs. I. fibi.

    She said that the corporation had done enough in promoting cultures in Nigeria, adding that Igboukwu New Year Festival was one of such in the South-East.

    Again, (NTDC) said it had marketed the festival in various countries of the world, including Spain, Britain, Germany, Dubai and South Africa, adding that soon investors would troop to Nigeria to explore the cultural heritage of the people.

  • Ndigbo in Lagos reiterates support for APC

    Igbos living in Ejigbo area of Lagos state yesterday reiterated their support for the All Progressives Peoples’ Congress, (APC) in their community, the state and the country. They also pledge loyalty to the current President Muhammadu Buhari-led government.

    Chief Chris Ekwilo, leader of the coalition, used the occasion to commend the leadership of APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he described as a true Nigerian leader. He commend his inclusive politics, which he said hasn’t left the Igbos astride in the scheme of things.

    The Igbos also pressed home some demands, which they said would further give them a strong sense of belonging. These include a request to be treated equally like every other ethnic group in the state. They observe that Igbos face a lot of harassment and intimidation from indigenes, and especially the law enforcement agencies such as LASTMA, Council officials and the VIO; and call this to be redressed.

    They also requested more recognition in politics and slots in party congresses, ability to be nominated for local government chairmanship position, councillorship, supervisors and special advisers. They condemned the incessant harassment by Omoniles (land-grabbers.)

    The summit was held at the Nnokwa Hall, Ejigbo and was graced by Pastor Funmi Daodu, who represented the APC Chairman, Lagos State, Price Henry Ajomale, , Chief Linus Onwuachumba, convener and chairman of the occasion, Hon. M A Adegoke, APC Chairman, Ejigbo LCDA, representatives of the Oba of Ejigbo, Oba Morufu Ojoola and a host of other dignitaries.

  • ‘Ndigbo not aware of town hall meeting with Ambode’

    ‘Ndigbo not aware of town hall meeting with Ambode’

    The Eze Ndigbo of Lagos State, Christian Uchechu-kwu Nwachukwu has warned Ndigbo not to engage in activities that would bring them to disrepute. He also advised them not to involve Governor Akinwunmi Ambode in any activity that is intended to deceive Ndigbo, Lagos State government and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Eze Nwachukwu gave the advice at the Lagos State Igbo Community Centre, Okota Lagos while addressing reporters on the purported hosting of Ndigbo by Governor Ambode tomorrow.

    Reacting to a report published on page 46 of July 29 edition of The Sun Newspaper entitled: “Ambode hosts Ndigbo”, Eze Nwachukwu said Governor Ambode would not host Ndigbo in a town hall meeting without informing him to mobilise his people in his capacity as the recognised Eze Ndigbo of Lagos State.

    He said: “The story is not genuine, it is unfortunate as well as deceitful. I advise my Igbo communities in Lagos State to be alert and wary of this fake information aimed at deceiving Ndigbo and the host state.”

    He noted that “it might be a mischievous Igbo group that wants to use the name of Ndigbo and Governor Ambode to deceive the government and party. If government and party want to organise such huge and beneficial event, majority of Igbo stakeholders would be aware of it and government itself would be aware of it.

    “Contacts made to the governor’s office indicate that his office is not aware of the planned hosting of Ndigbo tomorrow.

    “Government should be wary of these infamous people, who want to take advantage of their positions to reap where they did not sow.”

    He advised Ndigbo in positions of authority in APC and government to be careful, saying the present era is that of change to better ways of doing things.

    “Our people should jettison all manner of behaviours that bring bad name to them because we are in a dispensation in which sincerity, honesty and credibility characterise governance. For a person or group of persons to decide to deceive the current APC-led government in Lagos State is quite unfortunate.

    “Ndigbo should disregard the dubious call for town hall meeting which the governor is not aware. If there is any town hall meeting between the Governor and Ndigbo, we will be aware of it and then disseminate information to stakeholders in the 57 council areas; because we would want to hear from the governor whose policies and programmes have impacted positively on the lives of indigenes and non-indigenes, especially Ndigbo.

    “It is the duty of the office of Eze Ndigbo of Lagos State to inform Ndigbo  about such important event were there any. It is not Ambode’s style to call Ndigbo to a town hall meeting without going through the appropriate channel. He knows there is Eze Ndigbo of Lagos State whose office could be contacted to mobilise his people for such an important meeting with him.

    “Since there is no information to my office and no invitation extended to Igbo stakeholders, it indicates that the purported town hall meeting is a scam,” he said.

    Also speaking, the immediate past Special Adviser on Transportation to Ojo Local Government Area, Mr Smart Onyia said he was not aware of such event. He also said contacts made to officials of the state and local governments revealed that neither the Lagos State government nor Ndigbo has such plan for a town hall meeting with Governor Ambode tomorrow.

    Mr Onyia, who is the state Chairman of Igbo Mandate Group in APC, advised Ndigbo in Lagos to be careful of such phony plan by some self-serving individuals who want to use the name Ndigbo to achieve their selfish interests. He described the purported town hall meeting with Ambode as a scam.

    He said: “The leadership of Ndigbo in APC Lagos State is unaware of any town hall meeting. There is hierarchy in the leadership of Ndigbo in Lagos. Christian Nwachukwu, who is the recognised Eze Ndigbo in Lagos State, is not aware of the so-called town hall meeting with Governor Ambode tomorrow as reported in The Sun Newspaper.

    “We are dissociating ourselves from such event because it has not received the blessing of the leadership of Ndigbo in Lagos.

    “I advise right-thinking Igbo man or woman in Lagos State not to attend the meeting tomorrow. We believe those behind such plan

    are not sincere and honest. They want to misguide Ndigbo for their personal interests.

    “With every respect, I urge Governor Ambode not to honour the event for the interest of Ndigbo in APC, because the invitation didn’t come from the right source. He and the National Leader of APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu should inquire if the leadership of Ndigbo, especially the Eze Ndigbo of Lagos State, is involved or carried along.

    “It is not Ndigbo that are organising the purported town hall meeting. Ndigbo have institution and hierarchy beginning from Eze Ndigbo of Lagos State to the leadership of other groups of Ndigbo that include Igbo Mandate in APC and Igbo Political Coalition, among others.

    Such bodies were not contacted. Therefore, tomorrow’s event is not a project of Ndigbo.

    Some individuals who want to feather their nests are behind the phony town hall meeting.

    “The Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Lagos State is not aware of the planned town hall meeting. If it is aware, it would have communicated us. I as the State Chairman of Igbo Mandate in APC has not been informed about such meeting.”