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Tag: Ohanaeze Ndigbo

  • Ohanaeze Ndigbo sends strong message to Peter Obi ahead of 2027 elections

    Ohanaeze Ndigbo sends strong message to Peter Obi ahead of 2027 elections

    A faction of Ohanaeze Ndigbo has urged the presidential candidate  of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi to allow President Bola Tinubu to serve his full second term.

    In a statement released on Wednesday by the factional Deputy President-General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the group cautioned Obi that the South-East region cannot support his bid for the presidency.

    He expressed concern that the joint Atiku–Obi ticket in 2019 cost the South-East a potential sixth state, which former President Muhammadu Buhari had promised to Igbo leaders in exchange for their support.

    The statement further noted that, although the South-East has been a stronghold for the Labour Party in 2023, President Tinubu’s administration has made significant progress in addressing the region’s infrastructural deficits.

    “The appointment of Engr. David Umahi, as the Minister of Works, tasked with the critical mandate of rehabilitating the South-East’s dilapidated federal road projects, exemplifies this commitment. Furthermore, under President Tinubu’s leadership, federal allocations to the South-East have tripled, benefiting all five South-East governors, irrespective of their diverse political affiliations,” the statement read.

    It continued: “In light of these uncomfortable realities, Ohanaeze passionately urges Mr Obi to reconsider his aspirations for the presidency in 2027. The current political dynamics, exacerbated by Atiku Abubakar’s relentless pursuit of an octogenarian presidency at the age of 81, coupled with his ambiguous support for Mr Obi, suggest that their candidacies may ultimately divide the votes of the opposition, thereby facilitating a triumphant re-election for President Tinubu. Such a scenario would undoubtedly have adverse repercussions for the South-East.

    “This candid truth may be a bitter pill for Mr Obi to swallow, yet it is essential for him to engage in a profound reassessment of his ambitions. We implore him to relinquish his presidential aspirations in favour of negotiating for the pressing needs of the South-East. It is in the best interest of our region that Mr Obi summon his righteous resolve to support President Tinubu’s re-election campaign in 2027, particularly in light of the infrastructural developments spearheaded by Umahi and the collective bargaining efforts of the South-East.”

    Isiguzoro, in the statement, urged Obi to prioritise the interests of the South-East above personal ambition, recognising that unity and collaboration are paramount for the collective advancement of the region.

    He said it was imperative to convey a candid and unembellished truth to the former Governor of Anambra State.

    “We must assert that the path to victory for President Bola Tinubu in the upcoming 2027 elections is fraught with challenges, particularly when considering the formidable influence of incumbency and the disunity that currently plagues the opposition coalition,” he noted.

    The factional Ohanaeze, while acknowledging Obi’s constitutional right to contest for the presidency in 2027, said it felt compelled to express grave concerns regarding the viability of such a candidacy.

    “The stark reality is that Obi may face betrayal in his quest for the presidency, which could yield dire consequences for the Igbo people,” it noted.

  • Ohanaeze alleges Igbos are disenfranchised from voting in Lagos LG polls

    Ohanaeze alleges Igbos are disenfranchised from voting in Lagos LG polls

    Solomon Ogbonna Aguene, the President of the socio-cultural group in Lagos State, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has condemned the manner in which Igbos living in Lagos State are being disenfranchised and excluded from voting in the ongoing local government elections across the state.

    Aguene while commenting on the conduct of the exercise at his Ikoyi, Lagos residence, on Saturday expressed displeasure over the denial of Igbo politicians’ right to vote and be voted for, during every election, alleging that there is no democracy in Lagos State.

    According to him, the denial of the Igbo from voting occurs in every cycle of elections in Lagos State.

    He stated, “Do you know that the Igbo that are resident in Lagos state are denied the opportunity to vote? This is not just happening in this election; it occurs during every cycle of election. Igbo residents in the state are not given the opportunity to contest for local Government Chairmanship and councillorship positions. Despite our contribution to the economic and political growth of the state, we are being treated unfairly. There are one or two Igbo persons as Vice Chairmen of Local Governments.

    “It is therefore safe to conclude that we don’t have democracy in Nigeria, because democracy promotes equity, justice and fairness. What we have is opportunists grabbing power and ruling. There is voter apathy in Lagos and Nigeria because Nigerians are tired of voting for opportunists

    “Igbos are the ones investing heavily in Lagos. They are supposed to be given the opportunity to hold some positions in the state. Governance in Nigeria is just for the few as many Nigerians are really suffering. The working class including journalists and security officers whose profession are essential cannot even work and shelter for their families. The situation in Nigeria is terrible.”

  • Late Chief Iwuanyanwu’s will sparks controversy as wife gets banned from remarrying or lose inheritance

    Late Chief Iwuanyanwu’s will sparks controversy as wife gets banned from remarrying or lose inheritance

    The recently unveiled Will of Chief (Engr.) Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, former President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, a year after his passing has sparked conversation with a controversial clause.

    The document, which was made public on June 16, 2025  through his Will administrator, Chief Chukwuma Ekomaru (SAN), details how the revered businessman and politician’s estate will be shared among his immediate family and selected beneficiaries.

    According to report, Chief Iwuanyanwu bequeathed his Port Harcourt Road residence in Owerri—fondly referred to as “Legacy House”—to his wife, Lolo Frances. In the Will, the late elderstateman expressly instructed that the property must never be sold.

    Lolo Frances was also handed ownership of Magil Furniture, a business formerly operated by Iwuanyanwu’s late first wife, Eudora.

    Additionally, she received shares in various landed properties located in Orji, Works Layout, and Naze—all within Owerri.

    Her son inherited his father’s official residence in Abuja. The family’s London property is to be sold, with 60% of the proceeds set aside for the education of Iwuanyanwu’s last son.

    His first son, Jide, is to receive 30% of the sum, while 10% goes to Ezinne, who currently resides in the property, to enable her secure alternative accommodation.

    The Will also stipulates that the Glass House near the Orji flyover be placed in a public trust, to be managed by a board of directors for charitable purposes.

    Several other properties in Abuja, Imo, and other parts of the country were equitably distributed among his five children, who reportedly expressed joy and gratitude over their late father’s sense of fairness, honour, and compassion.

    It was further revealed that 15 additional properties were not included in the final Will. Sources say the elder statesman may have been unable to finalize decisions regarding these assets due to the illness that eventually led to his death.

    Interestingly, Chief Iwuanyanwu also included a condition in the Will: that his wife, Lolo Frances, would forfeit all properties willed to her should she choose to remarry. The condition of the will have sparked debate on social media with many netizens taking sides. While some condemned the deceased’ action, others applauded the idea, stating that the late chief even in death protected his family legacy.

  • Ohanaeze demands INEC HQ named after Nwosu after conferment of CON

    Ohanaeze demands INEC HQ named after Nwosu after conferment of CON

    The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has lauded President Bola Tinubu for recognising and honouring Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, requesting him to name the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Headquarters after him.

    Dr Ezechi Chukwu, the National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, stated this while reacting to Tinubu’s June 12 speech and conferment of posthumous to late Nwosu.

    Nwosu conducted the June 12, 1993 election which was adjudged freeest and fairest election till date in which Chief Moshood Abiola won.

    President Tinubu on Thursday confered the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) award on Nwosu.

    Chukwu described the gesture as a welcome development, saying the Federal Government had done the needful by honouring Nwosu whom he said, made a generational sacrifice with real courage by upholding the mandate of Abiola.

    “The idea of honouring him is welcomed, though, it is late but at least we appreciate the fact that he has been honoured”.

    Chukwu, however, appealed to Federal Government to further take a fundamental step by naming INEC Headquarters after Nwosu.

    “It is also our desire that INEC Headquarters should be named after Prof Humphrey Nwosu for the virtue of his role in Nigeria’s democracy during the military,” he said.

    On the economy, the national publicity secretary observed that the Nigeria economy still needed reforms as economic hardship continued to affect all sectors.

    According to him, inflation and exchange rates are still very high while cost of living is at its peak.

    “The reforms which the Federal Government has embarked on are yet to have human face in the lives of Nigerians.

    “Ohanaeze is of the view that the Nigeria economic policy must be extensively revisited to address these challenges.

    “There is need for the Federal Government to take concrete steps towards reinventing the economy in order to alleviate the hardship and poverty facing citizens across board,” he said.

    He added that to get it right, it would be necessary that the President takes steps in restructuring Nigeria, stressing that without restructuring it would be difficult to fix both the economy and insecurity.

    “This is because at state level, governors are not in-charge of security as Commissioners of police are answerable to the Inspector General of Police.

    “With the restructuring, the centre will be unbundled because we are talking of fiscal federalism, resource control and devolution of power.

    “A system where federal system of government is in principle but in practice, it is all about unitary government cannot actually place the nation on the pedestrian of growth.

    “This is the solution we are proffering. If the country is restructured, there will be healthy competition among various federating units as various states and regions can have the opportunity to maximize their wealth and add values to their economy,” he stressed.

  • Ohanaeze sends strong message to Ndigbo ahead June 12

    Ohanaeze sends strong message to Ndigbo ahead June 12

    A faction of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has declared that the people of the South-East Region of Nigeria would not participate in the nationwide Democracy Day protest scheduled for Thursday, June 12.

    This was contained in a statement issued by its Deputy President General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro.

    He said that the decision stemmed “from a deliberate and strategic resolve to protect the lives and property of Ndigbo across Nigeria”.

    According to the release, “No protests will be permitted within the South-East region until the Nigerian government meaningfully addresses the long-standing and legitimate concerns of the Igbo people”.

    The statement added, “We wish to convey a crucial, and perhaps uncomfortable, truth to the organizers of these national protests. There exists a broad consensus among Ndigbo rejecting participation in any form of protest—whether within the South-East or in other parts of Nigeria where our people reside.

    “It is also important to bring to public attention credible reports of a covert plot reportedly brewing in Abuja, Kaduna, Maiduguri, and Lagos. This plot, allegedly orchestrated by unpatriotic politicians and anti-democratic elements, seeks to hijack the protests as a means to destabilize President Bola Tinubu’s administration, while falsely projecting the Igbo as instigators or enemies of the state.”

    Isiguzoro explained that past experiences had shown that “during moments of national crises, Igbos have too often been scapegoated, unjustly targeted, and sacrificed at the altar of political expediency”.

    He added, “In addition to these historical injustices, the current climate of insecurity ravaging the South-East makes the staging of any mass protest not only ill-advised but dangerous. Ndigbo will not take part in any national protest until our critical demands are met—chief among them, the immediate release of all Igbo prisoners of conscience unlawfully detained across the country.”

    Ohanaeze Ndigbo, in the release, reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful dialogue and constructive engagement with the Nigerian state but “warned against any attempt to exploit national protests to further marginalize or endanger the South-East”.

  • ‘Give automatic 300 score to all S’East candidates or face the court’ – Ohanaeze to JAMB

    ‘Give automatic 300 score to all S’East candidates or face the court’ – Ohanaeze to JAMB

    The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide has asked the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to allocate 300 scores to all candidates from the South-East for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

    TheNewsGuru recalls that the registrar of the examination body, Prof Ishaq Oloyede, admitted errors in the just-concluded exam during a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday.

    According to Oloyede, 206,610 in 65 centres were affected in Lagos, and 92 centres in Owerri zone were affected, comprising 173,387 candidates in the five states of the South East.

    The Jamb registrar added that the board had resolved to reschedule a fresh examination for the affected candidates to make up for the technical errors that undermined their scores in the recently released results.

    Reacting, the National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, in a statement seen by TNG, faulted the resolution, stating the arrangement was unacceptable.

    According to Nnabuike, it was a disservice for JAMB to subject the candidates to “another round of mental torture, stress and risk” for no faults of theirs.

    Quoting him, “We want to state unequivocally that our people will not accept any fresh examination, having already been subjected to mental torture by JAMB.

    “The candidates are not in the right frame of mind to undergo another examination, having faced mental torture ever since the fake results were announced.”

    The Ohanaeze youth leader further demanded to know who would bear the cost of the fresh examination both in finance and stress, adding, “What of the risk of moving to the examination locations in a country ravaged by insecurity?”

    The youth wing therefore demanded that JAMB allocate 300 score to all the South-East and Lagos state candidates affected “by its own error, not that of the candidates”.

    The president continued, “Igbos are very brilliant people and could have made 300 and above. It was a deliberate design to punish and sabotage the people of the South-East, clearly to deny them education opportunities.

    “Should JAMB fail to heed to our request, we shall not hesitate to drag them to court. No form of crocodile tears by the registrar will save the board.”

  • Bayelsa Govt. suspends Ohanaeze Ndigbo re-run election indefinitely

    Bayelsa Govt. suspends Ohanaeze Ndigbo re-run election indefinitely

    The Bayelsa Government has suspended the re-run election of the Bayelsa chapter of Ohaneze Ndigbo.

    The Bayelsa Deputy Gov. Mr Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, said this in a meeting with leaders and stakeholders of Ohaneze Ndigbo in Yenagoa, on Friday.

    Ewhrudjakpo also disbanded the Electoral Committee that conducted the election on Feb. 23 that ended in a stalemate, adding that the committee fell short of expectations in the performance of its duties.

    He warned those planning to participate in the re-run election that would produce a substantive President, scheduled for Saturday to have a change of mind in their own interest.

    Ewhrudjakpo explained that the Bayelsa government decided to intervene to promote peace and harmony among the Igbos in the state as well as forestall the breakdown of law and order.

    According to him, government has already given directive to security agencies to arrest and prosecute whoever violates its directives bordering on the election of the state president of Ohaneze.

    He acknowledged the supportive role being played by Igbos in the development of Bayelsa and urged them to continue to live as brothers and sisters.

    Ewhrudjakpo said the Igbos should never allow the issue of electing a new leadership to divide them.

    “As a government, we appreciate what you have been doing for our state. You are outstanding and that is why we respect you.

    “This is the first time we are meeting again after our second term election. So, let me on behalf of the governor and myself, thank you for supporting us.

    “We are not taking your support for granted. That is why for the first time in the history of this state, one of you, an Igbo son, is appointed as commissioner,’’ he said.

    Ewhrudjakpo said: “On the issue that has brought us here, what does the Ohanaeze Ndigbo want? Would you allow election of your leaders to polarise and destroy Ohaneze Ndigbo in Bayelsa?

    “On Saturday, the security agencies will be deployed round; So, anybody who gathers in the name of doing Ohanaeze election in this state will be a guest to the Police or DSS.

    “Government will not impose any candidate on Ohanaeze, but government will ensure that there is peace and tranquility.

    “We want to see how we can reconcile you people. On that note, we are setting up a reconciliation committee now.”

    Ewhrudjakpo constituted a reconciliation committee to look into the issues causing the dispute and come up with recommendations within two weeks to enable government to settle the misunderstanding.

    Earlier, the two candidates contesting the position of Presidency of Ohaneze Ndigbo in Bayelsa which is zoned to Anambra State, Mr Frank Odinekwe, and Mr Anthony Olikagwu, appreciated the state government for the intervention.

    The two contesters appealed to the government to help the sociopolitical organisation resolve its internal conflict.

    Responding on behalf of the Reconciliation Committee, the Chairman and Special Adviser to the governor on Political Matters, Chief Collins Cocodia, expressed gratitude to the deputy governor for finding them worthy for the assignment.

    Cocodia promised that the committee would do its best to find lasting solutions to the problem.

  • Afenifere hails new Ohanaeze Ndigbo leadership, says it’ll enhance SMBLF alliance

    Afenifere hails new Ohanaeze Ndigbo leadership, says it’ll enhance SMBLF alliance

    HRH Oba Oladipo Olaitan, the Deputy Leader of Afenifere, the Pan Yoruba socio-political group, has congratulated the new President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Senator John Azuta-Mbata, and all the new National Officers.

    In a statement released by the Afenifere National Publicity Secretary, Prince Justice Faloye, Afenifere also welcomed the new Ohanaeze executive to continue their bilateral partnerships in restructuring agitations, as well as partners in the South and Middlebelt Leadership Alliance created for cultural, political economic justice in Nigeria.

    The Afenifere Deputy Leader, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, stated that Ohanaeze had been a major ally in the pursuit of good, fair and just governance. It is recalled that recent past Ohanaeze leadership have been friendly working partners, from bringing about The Handshake across Niger, to the push for rotational presidency to the South East in the last election.

    “Ours is not a relationship based only on current political expediencies, but as shown during the Handshake across Niger in Enugu, there is the long history of Yorubas and Igbos relationships, starting from being the closest genetic cousins, to traditional institutional leaderships of Obi and Oba being slight dialect variations, to initiating the pro-independence movements in the 1930s and 1940s.

    “Therefore Afenifere and Ohanaeze have a historic moral obligation to represent the similar cultural values of egalitarianism that can only be achieved by focusing our synergies on restructuring Nigeria to be just and fair to every Nigerian ethnicity.

    “So, we at Afenifere warmly welcome the new Ohanaeze executive leadership not only as mutual partners but taking its place as a major partner within the South and Middlebelt Leadership Alliance, to strengthen our collective voices for equity and justice through restructuring.

  • New Ohanaeze Ndigbo president general given 7-day ultimatum to resign

    New Ohanaeze Ndigbo president general given 7-day ultimatum to resign

    A group, Rivers Restoration Movement (RRM), has asked the new President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Senator John Mbata, to resign from his position.

    The group, in a statement jointly signed by the Director General, Hon Johnson George, and Secretary, Mrs Sarima Akpata, on Sunday, issued a 7-day ultimatum saying that Ikwerres are not part of the Igbo people and therefore, Senator Mbata, who is an Ikwerre, cannot lead an organization that represents the interests of the Igbo people within and outside Nigeria.

    The group who described Senator Mbata’s emergence as the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo as “unfortunate” alleged that the development is a surreptitious attempt by the Igbos to annex Rivers State.

    The group further criticized the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, for congratulating Senator Mbata, threatening to organize peaceful protests in Rivers, Abuja, and all United Nations facilities to express their displeasure over the development.

    The the group said, “The attention of the leadership of Rivers Restoration Movement (RRM) has been drawn to a disturbing, annoying, unfortunate and disgraceful report of Sen John Mbata emerging as the President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo whose primary objective is to represent the interest of all Igbo people within and outside Nigeria.

    “The big question now lies, are Ikwerres Igbos? The answer is a big no and this irritating battle for the soul of Rivers State through the Ikwerres has been on since the creation of Rivers State from the defunct Eastern Nigeria by General Yakubu Gowon and Rivers people have opposed the Igbo claim since then.

    “One begins to wonder what wrong has Rivers people done to deserve this humiliation from Governor Siminialayi Fubara’s administration. Was it a crime that in the interest of equity Fairness and Justice, former Governor Wike and leader of Rivers State politics on the premise of the political bond and love that spans over 50yrs between the Ijaws and Ikwerres chose His Excellency Siminialayi Fubara’ as Governor to represent the Riverine interest?

    “RRM as a group has vowed to resist this shame within the law that intends to see Rivers State fall under slavery through the capture of the Ikwerres that are not IGBOS. RRM wishes to make the following declaration;

    “RRM is giving Sen John Azuta Mbata seven days to resign as Ohaneze Ndigbo President General. We are also calling on the Governor of Rivers State to withdraw his congratulatory message to Sen Mbata because the Ikwerres has never been and will not be IGBOS in our lifetime, considering the fact that even in the United Kingdom the Welsh and Scots have never been English even though they speak English.

    “RRM is calling on our dear President that congratulated Sen Mbata, the Nigerian Police, DSS and selected national leaders to look inwards on this issue that has caused hate and animosity among neighboring states before the unfortunate civil war because we all know President Tinubu means well for Nigerians.

    “As a group and people, we are promising to stage the largest and most peaceful protest in Rivers State, Abuja and all United Nations facilities to express our anger over this injustice the Governor Siminialayi Fubara”s Administration is aiding through Sen Mbata’s annoying ambition that is purely political and shameful

    “Finally, RRM knows the spirit of our founding fathers like Late Senator Melford Okilo, Sen Obi Wali, Chief Nwaobidike Wonodi and other great Ikwerre leaders will be turning in their graves just knowing what is happening in Rivers State. As a people, this injustice to the Ikwerres goes beyond APC vs PDP, Who is Speaker Of the Rivers State House of Assembly or The FCT Minister H.E Nyesom Wike vs Governor Siminialayi Fubara.

    “It is about the people of Rivers State and their independence within the Nigerian State. RRM is calling on all true sons and daughters of Rivers State to Rise up within the law of the land and speak up against the injustice meted on Rivers people by the Rivers State Government and it’s leaders, so the world will know that Ikwerres are not Igbos and will never be.”

  • APC congratulates new Ohaneze president, Azuta-Mbata

    APC congratulates new Ohaneze president, Azuta-Mbata

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has congratulated Sen. John Azuta-Mbata on his election as the 13th President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation.

    Mr Felix Morka, APC National Publicity Secretary, in a statement on Saturday in Abuja also congratulated the outgoing President-General of the organisation, Chief Fidelis  Chukwu.

    Chukwu completed the tenure of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu who died on died on July 25 at the age of 82.

    Morka said the election of Azuta-Mbata, who hails from Rivers in South-South region, marked a milestone in the organisation’s history.

    “Sen. Azuta-Mbata has a stellar public service record, particularly as a two-term senator who championed the welfare and interest of his constituents and legislated for good and effective governance in the country.

    “We are confident that Sen. Azuta-Mbata will bring to bear his wealth of experience in providing a mature, purposeful and patriotic leadership for Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

    “We assure the new leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo of our party’s readiness to explore areas of partnership towards advancing development, shared prosperity, unity, peace and progress of our great country,” Morka said.

    He wished Azuta-Mbata and the new executive of Ohanaeze Ndigbo a successful and remarkable tenure in the fulfillment of the organisation’s mandates.