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Tag: Ohanaeze

  • No faction in Ohanaeze, says Nwodo

    No faction in Ohanaeze, says Nwodo

    THE newly elected President- General of Igbo socio-political organization, Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Barr John Nnia Nwodo, has dismissed stories of factions existing in the organization. Nwodo made this known during his first official assignment as the President of Ohaneze Ndigbo during the swearing-in ceremony and inauguration of the executives of the Enugu State chapter of the organization. “There is no faction among Ndigbo. We are united for a common cause.

    We cannot afford to fail and we shall support you in carrying out your agenda for the Igbo nation. “For the first time, we had a peaceful national election that went viral like never before. President Buhari, Afenifere, Arewa Consultative Forum, past heads of states, governors, church leaders and other groups called to congratulate me and lend a hand of support and partnership to work with us.

    The increased national attention will increase national expectation from us,” he said. Nwodo said that the patience of Igbo has reached the time of achieving the dividend of their effort towards improving the country. “The propounded elastic has reached its limits”. The out-going Chairman of Ohaneze in the state, Mr Eric Ebeh, expressed appreciation for the support he received while serving his tenure and promised to support the new state executive to move the organization forward. In his acceptance speech, Chief Alex Ogbonna, the newly-inaugurated chairman acknowledged that the task ahead of him is daunting, but promised to have a good working relationship with the President-General to move the organization forward.

    “The position is very tough, but I am happy that we have a capable leader who will chart the course for us and show us direction in implementing the Igbo agenda. We shall work together and ensure transparency in our positions”, he said. He further urged all and sundry to think of what they can do for Ohaneze instead of what Ohaneze can do for them.

    The newly-inaugurated 20 state executives include; Prof, Chief Alex Ogbonnia, from Awgu, (chairman), Prof Frederick Eze from Udenu local government, (Deputy President), Chief Sam Okonkwo from Nkanu West local Government (Secretary), Oliver Odenigbo from Uzo-Uwani local Government (Assistant Secretary), Fidelis Ojobor from Igbo-Eze North local Government (Treasurer), Sir Ignatius Achu from Ezeagu Local Government Area (Assistant Treasurer), Obinna Onyia from Udi Local Government Area (Financial Secretary), Damian Obisi from Nkanu East Local Government Area (Assistant Financial Secretary),Nnaji Celestine from Enugu South Local Government Area (Organizing Secretary), Okolo Godwin from Enugu East Local Government Area (Publicity Secretary) and Kevin Chukwu from Aninri Local Government Area (Assistant Publicity Secretary). Others are; Ede Chukwuma from Isiuzo Local Government Area (Legal Adviser), Ezeugwu Ben from Nsukka Local Government Area (Assistant Legal Adviser),Ephraim Oluedo from Oji River Local Government Area (Assistant Organizing Secretary), Prof Fab Onah Obeta from Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area (Auditor), Agbowo Romanus from Nkanu East Local Government Area (Ex-Officio, East), Ede Livinus Uche from Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area (Ex- Officio, North) and Anyaene Kenneth Chukwuma Local Government Area (Ex-Officio, West). The event attracted dignitaries from the state house of assembly, traditional rulers and others from different

  • Ohanaeze elects new executive today

    Ohanaeze elects new executive today

    The Igbo apex socio-cultural organisation, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, will today elect a new executive whose tenure will end in 2021.
    The outgoing executive has been in office for two terms, although enmeshed in leadership tussle which divided into two factions – the Jonathan favoured faction, led by Chief Gary Enwo Igariwey and Buhari favoured faction-led by Chief Ralph Obioha.
    The situation remained insoluble until the intervention of Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha.
    It was agreed that the Igariwey and his group should be allowed to complete their tenure, which ends today.
    Leading contestants in today’s election of the President General include former Information minister, John Nnia Nwodo, a lawyer and former Vice-Chancellor of Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Prof Chiweta Ejike as well as a former military governor of old Anambra and Imo states, Commodore Allison Madueke.
    The position was zoned to Enugu: all the contestants for the position hail from the state.
    Nwodo, who is considered to be widely connected, is perceived to have the clout to clinch the position. The former two-time minister is said to have the blessing of Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and all Southeast governors.
    Nwodo was also the only candidate who campaigned round the Ohanaeze states.
    A source close to Madueke told our reporter that Madueke would make his position known today at the election venue.
    For the former Vice-Chancellor of ESUT, Prof Ejike and his team are making moves through lobby campaigns.
    Wonwu, a Port Harcourt-based businessman, has been one of the most committed members of the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
    ýThe National Election Committee is headed by Prof. Anya O. Anya, while Prof. ABC Nwosu is the Secretary.
    Others include: Prof Ihechukwu Madubuike, Dr Chris Asoluka, Dr Mrs Felicia Eneh,    Dr (Amb.) Eddy Onuoha, Col. JOG Achuzia (retd.), Kate Onwe, Lolo Barr Kate Ezeofor, Chief Godwin Nwajagu, Chief Chi Nwaorgu, Chief Elvis Chukwuý, General Godwin Ugwuoke,
    Barr Albert Nnamani, Prof Sam Ukpabi, Onuchi Mpi, Akume Arah Azikiwe, Chief Emeka Akuma, Prof Elochukwu Amucheazi, Prince Emeka Onyesoh and
    Prof Philip Atanmuoh.

  • ‘Nwodo is Enugu’s choice for Ohanaeze President General’

    Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi yesterday said the choice of the former Minister of Information, Chief Nnia Nwodo, for the post of president-general of Igbo umbrella body, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, is a collective decision of stakeholders in the region’s political divide.
    Ugwuanyi recalled that when he was informed that the position was zoned to Enugu State, he called a meeting of the stakeholders in the state where it was decided that it would be zoned to Nsukka.
    The governor said the decision was based on the fact that Enugu West Senatorial District had taken a shot at the post while Enugu East was currently occupying the state’s leadership of the pan-Igbo socio-cultural organisation.
    Ugwuanyi spoke at a civic reception organised in his honour by the people of Imilike in Udenu Local Government Area in recognition of his achievements in good governance and infrastructural development.
    The governor recalled that the stakeholders unanimously nominated Nwodo after due consultations, adding that unlike in the past, the residents were happy with the selection of the candidate.
    He said: “The choice of Chief Nwodo for the post of President General of the Ohaneze Ndigbo is the choice of Enugu State, not my personal choice.”
    Ugwuanyi thanked the people of Imilike for the honour and their support.
    The governor urged them to always pray for him so that God would continue to guide his steps in the right direction.

  • Ex-minister Nwodo endorsed as Ohanaeze president general

    Two-time minister Chief John Nnia Nwodo from Enugu State may become the president general of the apex Igbo  organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

    The position of secretary general has reportedly been zoned to Rivers State and likely to be clinched by Chief Isaac Wonwu.

    The election of the officers is expected to hold on January 12.

    Presidents of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in seven Igbo-speaking states were said to have met in Enugu for the endorsement.

    It was learnt the Chairman of the Ohanaeze Presidents’ Forum and President of Ohanaeze in Anambra State, Dr. Chris Eluemunor, said other state presidents endorsed Nwodo as their sole candidate because of his sterling qualities.

    The forum said Nwodo was a round peg in a round hole, a notable orator and a change agent for a better Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide.

    It added that nobody else deserved to occupy the office better than him.

    Also, the Imo State President of Ohanaeze, Dr. Ezechi Chukwu, said Nwodo was an embodiment of what a revered Igbo leader should be.

    Chukwu said the former minister would take Ndigbo to greater heights because of his incorruptible stance.

  • Ohanaeze condemns media war among Igbo leaders

    Ohanaeze condemns media war among Igbo leaders

    The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council (OYC) has frowned at what it described as a worrisome media war among  political  leaders  in Igboland.

    The OYC specifically called on the spokesman of All Progressives Congress in the South East Chief Osita Okechukwu to sheath his sword against Imo State governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha.

    In a statement by signed by the chairman of states chairmen, Mazi Alex Okemiri, the group said: “Ordinarily, we would have kept mum over the issue, but we cannot continue to keep silent, because we have warned several times that no Igbo political leader should openly attack another Igbo political leader in the print or the electronic media again.

    “Despite our appeal, we are shocked that Chief Osita Okechukwu has not relented on his attacks on Governor Okorocha . He has forgotten that Owelle Okorocha has done much to ensure that Ndigbo are politically relevant today.  But for his doggedness, Ndigbo would have completely lost out in the present political calculation in Nigeria.  It is not in doubt that Owelle Rochas Okorocha is today the foremost Igbo political leader.

     “We shall no longer tolerate this kind of pull-him-down syndrome from self styled Igbo political champions who take every opportunity to ridicule real and genuine Igbo political leaders like Owelle Anayo Rochas Okorocha.

    The group appealed to the people of Abia State to exercise patience with the state governor over the state of the roads in the state.

    “We also want to appeal to the good people of Abia State to have patience with Governor Ikpeazu over the state of roads in Aba, obingwa and other parts of the state.”

  • Ohanaeze youths warn against campaign of calumny against Igbo leaders

    The youth arm of the Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, has warned against what it termed as a campaign of calumny against Igbo leaders.

    A statement signed by the National President of the group, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, said the group was watching how its leaders were being assaulted, warning that such should stop immediately.

    The statement reads: “The attention of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth council worldwide has been drawn to the continuous assault on the Grand Patron of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, Senator T. A. Orji.

    “We want to advise those behind the current campaign of calumny to desist from the action or we will make them face the wrath of igbo youths.

    “Senator T. A. Orji has paid his dues, having single-handedly sponsored the activities of Ohanaeze Ndigbo for eightyears. He has empowered Igbo youths and has sponsored over eight bills in the Senate.

    “He is a worthy leader of Igbo nation and we will not tolerate any person or persons to gang up against him. We will declare whoever does that as a persona grata in Igbo land.

    “We urge the Senator to continue to give quality representation to the people of Abia central zone and the Ndigbo in general.”

  • Ohanaeze to Fed Govt: dialogue with Kanu to heal wounds

    Ohanaeze to Fed Govt: dialogue with Kanu to heal wounds

    The youth wing of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to use the readiness of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to douse security tensions in the Southeast.

    In a statement by its National President Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the group advised the Federal Government not to allow such opportunity to pass it by.

    It said the government should avoid other groups and deal directly with Kanu.

    The statement said: “Kanu has, through the spokesman of the IPOB, declared his readiness to dialogue with the government. This is a much-awaited opportunity? which should be utilised to end the bitterness against the Federal Government by people of the Southeast.

    “We call on President Buhari not to allow this golden opportunity slip off his hands. It is our firm belief that the Buhari administration will engrave its name as hero of democracy, if it utilises this opportunity to free Kanu.

    “For the dialogue to be genuine and fruitful, Kanu should lead the IPOB delegation. There have been reports of negotiations between some Niger Delta groups and a representative of the Federal Government. Nobody or group should negotiate on his (Kanu’s) behalf. This is to avoid a situation where the government will end up wasting time and resources. If the government succeeds in this regard, it will no doubt endear it to Ndigbo and help in healing so many wounds.”

     

  • Ohanaeze, MASSOB hail Buhari, AGF for releasing Biafra activists

    Ohanaeze, MASSOB hail Buhari, AGF for releasing Biafra activists

    Following the release of 19 members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) who were detained in Aba Prisons, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council (OYC) has hailed President Muhammadu Buhari and the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, for the gesture.

    It will be recalled that about twenty members of IPOB were reportedly arrested in Aba by soldiers of the 144 Battalion, Asa, Ukwa West Local Government of the state after they clashed with soldiers during a prayer session at National High School along Port Harcourt road.

    The IPOB members; six females and thirteen males, were released by a Magistrate Court in Umuahia, the State capital on Thursday following the directive of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, that they be released.

    In a statement signed by the chairman of states’ chairman, Mazi Alex Okemiri, the group also praised Abia State governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu for facilitating their activists’ release.

    The statement reads in part: “We hereby salute Mr President, the Attorney General of the Federation and Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia state for facilitating the release of the pro-Biafran activists arrested and detained during their prayer session at Aba some months ago.

    “This commendable action will go a long way to douse the tension and bad blood generated by their detention. We equally urge Mr President to release other MASSOB and IPOB detainees including the leader of IPOB Nnamdi Kanu.

    “This will pave the way for dialogue, which remains the only way to solve the agitation. We commend Governor Okezie Ikpeazu for the role he also played in the release. He has endeared himself to Ndigbo for pursuing the reduction of tension in the South East.”

    The group also called on various groups in the South-east to stop creating unnecessary tension in Abia State.

    “The warning is sequel to a media interview by one? Igwekala Leo Ugomaduefule, the National President of a group known as Ndigbo Bu- Otu, where he asked the Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu to resign.

    “Abia, a state in Igbo land should not be a testing ground for lawlessness. Nigeria is not a Banana Republic ?and the South-East should not be used for such experiment.

    “We are amazed that a group suddenly emerged and started talking about the Abia stalemate. There are other issues affecting Ndigbo such as the detention of Nnamdi Kanu, need for restructuring and true federalism but this faceless group never talked about it.

     “The OYC is warning this group to desist from stoking ember of confusion in Igbo land. We have already declared the self-styled members of the above group persona-non-grata and we expect the general public to treat them as such.”

    The OYC further urged the feuding parties in the Abia governorship tussle to utilize all the legal windows open to them, stressing “any attempt to forcefully remove Governor Okezie Ikpeazu will be vehemently resisted by Ndigbo.

    “Our advice to Uche Ogah is to toe that path of peace and stop allowing outsiders to use him in creating a situation of confusion in Igbo land. What we are experiencing right now cannot happen elsewhere and for that we say unequivocal no to it.”

    Speaking in the same vein, the leader of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), Uchenna Madu described the release of the pro-Biafra members as laudable.

     Madu said that the continued harassment and illegal detention of the MASSOB, BIM, IPOB and other pro-Biafra groups would not deter them from pushing for the emancipation of Biafra, which according to him, is a legacy bequeathed to them by the founding fathers and which must be actualized.

    The MASSOB leader also used the opportunity to urge the Federal Government to release other Biafra agitators, including the leader of the IPOB and Director of Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, Benjamin Onwuka and other BIM leaders and members who are currently incarcerated in various prisons across the country.”

  • Ohanaeze to FG: Release Kanu to prevent crisis in South east, South south

    The Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC) has appealed to the federal government to release detained leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu to prevent impending crisis in the south east and the south south.

    The group noted that the continued detention of the IPOB leader has been largely responsible for escalation of tension in the regions.

    In a statement yesterday in Umuahia by its national president, Mazi Isiguzoro, the group said available intelligence reports indicated there could be a total breakdown of law and order in the entire South East and South South zones if Kanu is not released soon.

    “OYC wonders why the federal government would continue to hold Kanu who has never taken up arms against the state while captured members of the dreaded Boko Haram terror group are serially released from detention.

    “It beats our imagination that terrorists who have been responsible for the death of innocent Nigerians are being released while unarmed freedom fighters are kept behind the bars.

    “This  bias poses serious threat to our peace and national unity , and we hope the President will address it before it becomes too late,” the group said.

    The group expressed concern about the political logjam in Abia State and appealed for calm.

    It cautioned against any action capable of plunging the state into upheaval as the matter is being handled by the Court of Appeal.

    It advised that the Abia Charter of Equity, which recommends power rotation among the senatorial zones, should be respected for justice and fair play.

  • Ohanaeze urges Igbo corps members to leave lasting legacies

    The leaders of Ohaneze Ndigbo in Oyo state, have urged Youth Corps members of Igbo extraction to leave behind a legacy after their service in the state.

    Some of the leaders of Ohaneze Ndigbo who spoke at a gathering of Igbo leaders in Ibadan, included the Head of Igbo Community in the state, Dr Alex Anozie and the President of Ohaneze Ndigbo in Oyo state, Chief Emma Ndidi Nzeakor.

    The event was a reception organised for the Youth Corps members of Igbo extraction posted to  the state.

    They were at the Ibadan office of the Head of Igbo Community, who hosted them yesterday .

    Dr Anozie who also had other executives of Ohaneze Ndigbo in Oyo state in audience implored the Youth Corps members to always be exemplary in their conduct.