The Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the Apex Igbo socio-cultural organization that embodies the aspirations, interests, and rights of the Igbo people, finds it necessary to address a critical issue that poses a significant threat to the integrity and democratic ethos of our esteemed institution. With less than 90 days remaining until the Ohanaeze Ndigbo General Election, scheduled for January 10th and 11th, 2025, we feel compelled to articulate a firm warning against the insidious schemes purportedly being orchestrated by two governors from the Southeast.
Recent developments have unfolded concerning a disreputable organization purportedly supported by unpatriotic actors who seek to lure Chief Ikedi Ohakim, a respected former governor of Imo State, into a quest for leadership within Ohanaeze Ndigbo. In this regard, we implore Chief Ohakim to summon his inherent wisdom, discernment, and sense of civic responsibility to categorically decline any temptations that would have him contend for a non-existent position as President General of our organization. As a matter of collective urgency, we encourage him to redirect his energy toward fruitful political endeavors where his leadership can effect meaningful change, be it as a Governor (possibly for a single term), a Senator, a Vice President, or even the Presidency of Nigeria in the foreseeable future. Should Chief Ohakim heed this call, Ohanaeze Ndigbo will ardently advocate for his return to the “Douglas House” Governor’s office in Imo State.
In navigating this pivotal juncture, Chief Ohakim must exercise discretion and vigilance against the machinations of deceitful Political Elites who have previously misled two touted Igbo elder statesmen from Imo State to disastrous exits— these Igbo Statesmen ignored divine instructions relayed from the Igbo College of Archbishops and Bishops, which have pleaded for peace and reconciliation within Ohanaeze Ndigbo. It is essential for him to recognize that we are currently in a constitutionally mandated transitional phase, and it would be imprudent for him to become a stumbling block against the emergence of a President General from Rivers State within this limited timeframe.
The honorable Chief Ikedi Ohakim, being an astute leader, is undoubtedly aware of the monumental opportunity afforded to him during his tenure as governor from 2007 to 2011. The challenges and controversies that receded upon his exit were ultimately triumphed by divine intervention that has cleared his name. He must now resist the allure presented by those who do not genuinely harbor goodwill for the Igbo people and promptly rescind any inclination to engage in actions that might jeopardize the Unity, solidarity and progress of Ndigbo, particularly as our Igbo heritage in Rivers State seeks reclamation after suffering for over 55 years post-Biafra War by January 2025.
Let it be unequivocally stated: the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Constitution must not be amended to accommodate the desires of any individual or group. We cannot allow the leadership aspirations of two Southeast governors to impose candidates unsuited for the role, particularly at a time when the spiritual forces within our land are understandably angered by their insatiable covetousness and manipulative schemes.
This press release serves as an indictment of these clandestine efforts aimed at undermining our electoral process and imposing an unwelcome candidate upon our cherished organization—a course of action that not only undermines the democratic underpinnings of Ohanaeze Ndigbo but also disrespects the collective will and aspirations of our people. Increasingly desperate, these governors have reportedly conspired to introduce an unpopular candidate from Asa in Abia State, who is allegedly backed by a retired Army General known for his controversial background as a former Military Head of State and later, a democratically elected President from the Southwest. This candidate’s Asa Ndoki dual heritage raises grave concerns regarding their allegiance, which seemingly favors the Ijaw nation rather than our holistic Igbo identity. We assert that such candidates must be categorically rejected as they do not resonate with the core values that Ohanaeze Ndigbo embodies.
Furthermore, we utterly condemn any discussions regarding amendments that would facilitate a tenure elongation for the current President General from IMO State by two or three years. Such proposals are not only illegitimate; they are subversive to our founding principles. We unequivocally characterize such maneuvers as sordid, nefarious, and blatantly opposed to our organizational values, and it is essential that we communicate this without any ambiguity or self-censorship.
In alignment with our commitment to Igbo unity, we wish to clarify: there is no justification for any conspiracy aimed at sidelining Rivers State in the quest for the next President General. The legacy of our lineage in Rivers, having endured relentless marginalization and identity crises since the closure of the Biafran conflict in 1970, yields no acceptable reason to extend this continued disenfranchisement. Should Rivers State be denied its rightful position in 2025, it would only serve to perpetuate an unacceptable narrative of subjugation spanning an additional 24 years.
We stand at a critical juncture—this is our time to foster and revitalize our connection with the Igbo populace in Rivers State. Such efforts transcend mere political necessity; they are imperative to our moral fabric as custodians of Igbo identity. The responsibilities we uphold towards one another as members of this great heritage mandate that we dismantle the artificial barriers that have divided us since the tumultuous end of the Biafran conflict.
As we approach the final days of the current President General’s tenure, let it be reiterated: we are not in the business of facilitating vacancies through duplicitous arrangements. The discontent resonating throughout our communities, manifesting in endless tragedies, should resonate as a powerful appeal to reject such illicit and disingenuous agendas. The spiritual deities of our land and Chukwu Okike Abiama have made their displeasure abundantly clear; we call upon all involved in these conspiratorial acts to ceaseangerous behavior and support the sacred principles enshrined within the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Constitution as it pertains to Rivers State’s rightful claim to the position of President General.
Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has expressly articulated that our organization is neither a refuge for disillusioned politicians nor a platform for unscrupulous elites to further personal ambitions at the expense of our collective identity. We strongly caution against any attempts to infiltrate the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo with compromised candidates or former governors. Those who even entertain such notions must recognize the weight of ancestral warnings; historical precedence has shown that those who disregard the will of the deities face grave consequences.
In conclusion, this press release serves as a definitive proclamation of our unwavering commitment to transparency, unity, and the unyielding spirit of the Igbo people. We call upon all members of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and our fellow citizens to remain vigilant and proactive in the face of these challenges. Together, we will ensure that our next leader emerges transparently, representing the authentic collective aspirations and values of the Igbo people, thus embodying our hopes and dreams for a brighter future.
Signed,
Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro
Secretary General
Ohanaeze Ndigbo
