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Tag: Ohanaeze Ndigbo

  • Ohanaeze reacts as Gov. Uzodimma offers amnesty to unknown gunmen

    Ohanaeze reacts as Gov. Uzodimma offers amnesty to unknown gunmen

    Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has hailed Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, for offering amnesty to all the unknown gunmen hiding in the bush as a way of curtailing insecurity in the state.

    The group gave the commendation in a statement issued by the group’s National Publicity Secretary, Dr Alex Ogbonnia, on Thursday in Enugu.

    Ogbonnia said the decision was reached at a meeting of selected leaders of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Northern Zone, held on Tuesday at the residence of the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.

    According to Ogbonnia, Uzodimma has promised to offer full employment to all youths who denounce nefarious activities in Imo State.

    “It is hoped that since Uzodimma, the Chairman of the South East Governors Forum, had done this, all the other South-East Governors will key into the Amnesty programme,” he said.

    He stated that Igbo leaders have urged the young men in the region to take advantage of the amnesty programme for peace to reign in Igboland.

    Ogbonnia added that the meeting expressed very deep concern over the insecurity in the South East and felt sad over the continued incarceration of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

    “The President General was, therefore, mandated to immediately seek appointment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with a view to negotiating the release of Kanu, amongst other security issues in the South East,” Ogbonnia said.

    He further said that Igbo leaders had pledged to build an International Market in Igboland, adding that with the completion of the project, all the Igbo traders would be expected to own a market store in Igboland.

    This, he said, would create job opportunities, enhance goods and services and ultimately increase Gross Domestic Product in the country.

    “As a corollary to this, Igbo Leader will hold a summit of Igbo Traders Associations in Nigeria and some parts of Africa,” he said.

    Ogbonnia explained that Iwuanyanwu had also announced the establishment of a Special Committee, known as the “Committee for Reconciliation and Peace Building in Nigeria” with Dr Dominic Okechukwu as the Chairman while Dr. Joseph Ibekwe will be the Secretary.

    He said the other members of the Committee would be announced later, adding that the president general had inaugurated the Elders Council for Abuja and the Northern States of Nigeria.

    “The Council is Chaired by Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife with Chief S.N. Okeke as the Deputy while Prof. Charles Nwekeaku was named Secretary.

    The publicity secretary said members of the meeting lauded the robust initiatives so far taken by Iwuanyanwu, since his assumption of Office as the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.

    This, he said, was more pronounced in the areas of peace building, transportation, railway, seaport, international airport and other areas of strategic interests to Igbos.

    According to him, members expressed immense delight that with the Iwuanyanwu vision, intellect and invaluable diverse contacts, a lot of lost grounds will be recovered.

    He listed other dignitaries that attended the meeting to include: Dr Okwesilieze Nwodo, Sen. Chris Ngige, Sen. Joy Emordi, Ambassador Eddy Onuoha, Ken Emechebe, and Chief Sam Obaji, among others.

  • Ohanaeze set to meet Tinubu over Nnamdi Kanu

    Ohanaeze set to meet Tinubu over Nnamdi Kanu

    Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has revealed its plans to meet with President Bola Tinubu to canvas for the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.

    Ohanaeze President, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, said this on Saturday during a courtesy visit to the leadership of the Supreme Council of Nigeria Traditional Rulers, Southeast chapter led by the President, HRM Eze Iheanyichukwu Nwokenna of Abia State at his Glass House Orji-Owerri office complex.

    According to Iwuanyanwu, the planned visit to the president is centred on all issues bothering the people of the South East geo-political zone.

    Iwuanyanwu stated that the move to push for the release of the secessionist from the custody of the Department of State Services, DSS, became necessary following the worsening security situation in the region.

    According to him, some persons are using Kanu’s name and his incarceration to perpetrate crimes in the region, saying they are only after their selfish interest.

    “Your request (Supreme Council of Nigeria Traditional Rulers, South East chapter) and solidarity visit have reinvigorated my leadership intention to see President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on issues concerning the Igbo ethnic group, more especially the need to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu of IPOB. His continual detention is escalating insecurity in the Southeast.

    “Let us see when he’s released, any person or group that will be instigating insecurity or crisis in Igboland using his name or detention.

    “Some people and groups are illegally feasting on his popularity and detention just to cause unnecessary trouble and problems in the entire Southeast and for their own selfish interests. There must be peace and stability in Igboland.

    “Immediate release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu will definitely restore sanity,” he said.

  • Ohanaeze begs Biafra agitators to ceasefire for 40 days, seeks Nnamdi Kanu’s release

    Ohanaeze begs Biafra agitators to ceasefire for 40 days, seeks Nnamdi Kanu’s release

    The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has urged Biafra agitators to uphold a 40-day ceasefire.

    According to Ohanaeze, the ceasefire is aimed at securing the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

    Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the Factional Secretary General of Ohanaeze, said the ceasefire should start from October 31.

    In a statement he signed, Isiguzoro said there are ongoing talks behind the scenes on the possibility of Kanu’s release.

    According to Isiguzoro: “To facilitate progress in this matter, Ohanaeze Ndigbo urges Biafra agitators to uphold a ceasefire for a period of 40 days, refraining from any offensive aggression starting from October 31, 2023.

    “Maintaining discipline among the Biafra agitators is crucial to ensuring the cessation of all offensive acts for the designated 40-day period.

    “By doing so, the ongoing conversations behind the scenes will have the necessary environment to provide the desired solutions for the release of Nnamdi Kanu. Ohanaeze Ndigbo reminds Ndigbo of our Igbo idiom, “Every soup has a peculiar way of licking it,” emphasising the importance of engaging with relevant authorities through diplomatic channels as the most effective means of achieving the desired results.

    “We implore Ndigbo to exercise patience during this challenging time. We acknowledge the pain and hardships endured by the people of the Southeast since the incarceration of Nnamdi Kanu.

    “As custodians of our land, we assure ourselves and our people that positive outcomes are anticipated following the November 2023 Imo State Governorship elections. The release of Nnamdi Kanu will be a surprise package for the Southeast.”

    The body also appealed to Nigerians Kanu might have offended to extend forgiveness and allow the greater interests of Nigeria to prevail.

    “The restoration of peace and security in the Southeast is of utmost importance and requires the collective involvement of all stakeholders.

    “Ohanaeze Ndigbo remains committed to working behind the scenes, galvanising all relevant parties to achieve this essential objective,” he added.

  • Ohanaeze reacts over honour bestowed on Achebe by Soludo

    Ohanaeze reacts over honour bestowed on Achebe by Soludo

    The Vice President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene, has eulogised Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra for renaming the Anambra International Cargo and Passenger Airport, Umueri, after the late literary icon, Prof. Chinua Achebe.

    Okeke-Ogene said in a press statement in Awka on Saturday, that the gesture was an honour to Ndigbo, Africa and the entire black race.

    He called on other South-East Governors to build monuments to immortalise the late literary icon who spent his entire life projecting Igbo social cultural identity across the globe.

    Okeke-Ogene noted that through his creative works, late Achebe sustained the fight and outcry against “marginalisation, injustice and suppression of Ndigbo”.

    He also stood for Africa and the black race in general as well as made huge sacrifices to give Igbos a strong voice and recognition across the globe.

    He also recalled that in his humility, Achebe died in active service as the President General of Ogidi Town Union, in Idemili North Local Government Area (LGA) of Anambra.

    Okeke-Ogene said Achebe’s literary achievements celebrated Igbo rich cultural heritage and tradition that will continue to inspire present and future generations as well as help preserve Igbo cultural identity.

    He noted that the honour will equally remain a source of inspiration to young writers who will now be encouraged to explore opportunities in the creative world to attain their full potential.

    The Ohaneze VP said the recognition has positive implication on young writers knowing fully well that history and posterity will remember, recognise and honour them in future.

    Okeke-Ogene expressed satisfaction that Soludo has sustained efforts towards human capital development and projects that impact directly on the lives of the people.

    He noted that his free education scheme would provide every child easy access to quality education to build a strong and quality human capital development as was obtained during the early years of Achebe.

    “The free education of Anambra government is commendable because it will motivate upcoming generations to discover themselves and aspire to emulate successful scholar personalities in the state and beyond.

  • Ohanaeze demands justice for slain Khadijat Yahaya in Kogi state

    Ohanaeze demands justice for slain Khadijat Yahaya in Kogi state

    Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide has reacted to the reported killing of one Ms Khadijat Yahaya who was a member of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Kogi State.

    Ohanaeze said that the Social Democratic Party (SDP), in the State should be made to answer questions concerning the incident, saying no stone should be left unturned in order to serve justice.

    Recall that Khadijat allegedly lost her life after a clash between supporters of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and those of the APC in Kotonkarfe on Sept. 29.

    The development has heightened tension in the confluence state ahead of the November governorship election.

    Reacting in a statement issued by the National President of Ohanaeze Youth Council Worldwide, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, the Igbo group tasked security agencies to ensure that all those behind the murder of the APC member were brought to book.

    Ohanaeze said nobody should be seen as a sacred cow, adding that the police must demonstrate that every life matters in the country.

    Okwu said, “this is necessary in order to instil confidence in the masses ahead of the polls. The taking of a life merely because of politics stands condemned in all ramifications.

    “This calibre of violence and murder if not punished, would undermine the preparation for the polls; it will embolden those involved into committing more heinous crimes.

    “We, therefore, charge the police to not only arrest those being fingered in the attack leading to the killing of the innocent woman, but to ensure that they are diligently prosecuted in accordance with the law.

    “There are allegations that the SDP guber candidate in the State was invited by the police for questioning but that he dishonoured the invitation; if that is true, we want to ask: is he above the law?

    “It is only when justice is served that the people will believe in the system again.”

    Okwu, who said the apex Igbo group was keenly watching political developments in Kogi State, urged the actors to stop seeing their ambition as a do or die affair.

    “Only one person will become governor at a time; people should not spill blood on their way to power.

    “Politicians, no matter their political party, should stop instigating their supporters to attack and murder their opponents,” Okwu cautioned.

  • Ohanaeze holds special Church service to mark Igbo Day

    Ohanaeze holds special Church service to mark Igbo Day

    Apex lgbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide at the weekend held a successful special prayer session.

    The Thanksgiving Church service which took place at the Seventh-Day Adventis Church in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital was one of the activities lined-up to mark the 2023 Igbo Day celebration.

    The event was organized as part of the preparation for the Grand Finale of the Igbo Day celebration,which was scheduled to take place at the Liberation Stadium in Port Harcourt on September 29th.

    The service was attended by a large number of lgbo people, including representatives of Ohanaeze led by Professor Thomas Amadi Ellah and Prince Richard Ozobu, the chairman of the Elders Forum.

    In his opening remarks, Professor Ellah expressed his joy that despite the insecurity challenges and other difficulties facing the Igbo people, they had every reason to be thankful to Chukwu Okike Abiama (Almighty God) for His faithfulness and mercy.

    He noted that Ndigbo had been preserved and had survived in the seven Igbo-speaking states, including Rivers State and Anioma in Delta State, and it call for celebration.

    The service included special songs and invocations for God’s blessings to Ndigbo. In his sermon, Master Guide Dr. Madumere Thomas Ezearu called on Ndigbo to continue to pray for God’s special wisdom and protection for their political leaders and God’s children, especially Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State.

    He said that Governor Fubara enjoys God’s protection and the support of the people, and he urged Nigerians to pray for their leaders.

    Speaking at the occasion, factional Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro decried the killings and bloodbath going on in Imo State and other places.

    Isiguzoro called on Ndigbo to pray for God’s intervention to restore peace and security across the country, especially in the southeast and Imo State in particular.

    He expressed his belief that God would answer the prayers of Ndigbo.The Prayer Session was a time of reflection and gratitude for the Igbo people of Port Harcourt.

    They came together to celebrate their culture and heritage, and to pray for God’s continued blessings and protection.

  • Port Harcourt is Ikwerre land, stay away, Rivers CP cautions Ohanaeze Ndigbo

    Port Harcourt is Ikwerre land, stay away, Rivers CP cautions Ohanaeze Ndigbo

    The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Dr Polycarp Emeka Nwonyi has cautioned members of Ohanaeze Ndigbo to stay clear of Port Harcourt as the land belongs to Ikwerres.

    The CP made this disclosure in a meeting with members of Iwhuruohna People’s Association (IPA) and Ohaneze Ndigbo as a result of the petition written by IPA to the Inspector-General of Police, copied to the CP and other security agencies, took place yesterday in his office.

    During the meeting, the delegation of IPA led by the President, High Chief Monday Wehere and Dr. William Wodi stated categorically that Ikwerre people are not Igbos, and that there is no “Igbo-speaking” part of Ikwerre land as claimed by the Ohaneze Ndigbo.

    They maintained that Igbos have five state capitals and numerous other cities where the so-called “Igbo Day” can be used to honour their fallen heroes but their choice of Port Harcourt is aimed at causing the breakdown of law and order.

    They also reminded the CP that the two factional leaderships are proposing the celebration at undisclosed venues in PH. The delegation of IPA pointed out that there is the likelihood that their undisclosed venues may clash with the venue for the “Ikwerre Martyrs’ Day” already scheduled for September 29th, 2023.

    They concluded by saying that one of the reasons they are against them calling Ikwerre people Igbos and that Rivers State is not part of Igbo states is to stop them from extending their sit-at-home order to Rivers State.

    Responding to their submission, the leader of Igbo Community in Rivers State, Barr. Emmanuel Ukala, who is also the Vice Chairman of Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Port Harcourt Branch, denied ever fixing Igbo Day Celebration in Port Harcourt.

    He maintained that the celebration was fixed at Enugu and also disowned the statements credited to Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Chidi Ibe and Chief Uchenna Okokoba respectively. He also said that they are impostors and cannot speak for Igbo people.

    At this point, members of IPA quickly presented the press release of both factions and affirmed that the said venue earlier scheduled to hold in Port Harcourt was shifted to Enugu because of the pressure of IPA on them.

    After listening to both sides, the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Dr. Emeka Polycap Nwonyi advised members of Ohaneze Ndigbo to honour their heroes and do their celebration in their states and leave Port Harcourt if Ikwerre people decides not to join, saying that Port Harcourt is Ikwerre land and whoever that buys land here will not carry it to his or her hometown.

    The case ended in favour of IPA, therefore, the Igbo Day Celebration is no longer holding in Port Harcourt.

    Igwe Onyeche Wofurum
    General Secretary
    Iwhuruohna People’s Association (IPA).

  • Ohanaeze reacts over killings in South-East

    Ohanaeze reacts over killings in South-East

    The President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, has said that his heart bleeds as a result of the killings in Igboland.

    Iwuanyanwu disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Enugu.

    He said, “My heart bleeds at the sad events in Igboland where Igbos are killing fellow Igbos.

    “I am equally very distressed by the rate at which the Nigerian security operatives are killed not only in Igboland but all over the country.

    “Worse still is the suspected reprisal attack where innocent Igbo sons and daughters from Mbano in Imo state have found their lives and means of livelihood completely destroyed.

    This situation, he said, is completely unacceptable to him, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and “Indeed unacceptable to all honest, right-thinking and patriotic Nigerians.

    “I condemn it in strong terms,” the Igbo leader said.

    He said he would be sending a team immediately, under the Chairmanship of C. J. Ihemedu, the President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Imo State Chapter, to give him a comprehensive report on the matter.

    “I call on the Federal Government to fish out the perpetrators of this heinous crime and make sure they face the law.

    “I also urge the Federal Government to put in place necessary security measures to forestall the reoccurrence of this sad event,” he said.

    He noted that similar incidents had occurred in all the states of Southeast, adding that as at now there seemed to be no solution as the matter is even getting worse.

    “Ohanaeze Ndigbo is right now undertaking a total transformation of Igboland and by this transformation, more job opportunities will be created in the zone for school leavers; and infrastructure for business men and women.

    “I wish, on behalf of all Igbos worldwide, to express our deep sympathy to the families of the security men who were gruesomely murdered.

    “We also sympathise with our people in Mbano whose shops and houses were destroyed during the reprisal attack.

    “I pray the Almighty God to take control of events in Igboland so that we will once more enjoy peace, happiness and prosperity in our land,” Iwuanyanwu said.

  • Igbo Day: Ohanaeze to honour Tinubu September 29th

    Igbo Day: Ohanaeze to honour Tinubu September 29th

    Apex lgbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide, said that all arrangements has been concluded to honour president Bola Tinubu to mark the 2023 lgbo day celebration.

    Ohanaeze Ndigbo disclosed that the historic event will be held on September 29th, 2023 in Rivers state.

    A statement signed and issued on Friday by factional Secretary-general, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, said the annual event will be organised by Ohanaeze Ndigbo in remembrance of our fallen heroes and to revive the rich cultural inheritance of lgbo language.

    “The Celebration will be held in Rivers State, Nigeria on September 29th 2023. The annual event is organized by the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, in remembrance of our fallen heroes, a celebration of rich cultural inheritance, the revival of the Igbo language and bringing solutions to myriads of problems facing Ndigbo.

    According to Ohanaeze, The theme for the 2023 Igbo Day Celebration is “ONYE AHALA NWANNE YA,” which means “Always Be Our Brothers Keeper.”

    The statement stated that the theme was chosen to reflect the importance of unity and cooperation among Igbo people.

    “The 2023 Igbo Day Celebration will feature a variety of events, including prayers in all churches, youths and women programmes, lectures, and a grand finale in Port Harcourt on September 29th 2023 with a Special Traditional Honour to be bestowed on the President of Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu on the same day.

    The body added that the event is expected to draw thousands of Igbo people from all over the world.

    “The Celebration is a significant event for the Igbo people. It is an opportunity to come together and celebrate our culture, heritage, and language. It is also an opportunity to discuss the challenges facing our people and find solutions to those challenges.

    The day is a reminder that the Igbo people are strong and resilient people. We have faced many challenges in the past, but we have always come together and overcome them. We will continue to face challenges in the future, but we will always come together and find solutions.

    Highlight of the event according to the statement, is the confirmation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with the grandly Traditional honor in Igboland, as “Enyi Ndigbo”.

  • Ohanaeze Ndigbo makes case over appointments by Tinubu

    Ohanaeze Ndigbo makes case over appointments by Tinubu

    Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, the pan-Igbo socio-cultural group, has demanded justice, fairness and equity from President Bola Tinubu over appointments into his cabinet.

    Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide said they are disturbed over the current appointment of Ministers by President Tinubu, in which South-East had only five ministers while other zones had nine and even 10 ministers.

    Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the President General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, made the disclosure in a statement issued on Thursday in Enugu State.

    According to Iwuanyanwu, Ohanaeze Ndigbo feels that it is unfair and unjust as they believe in one united Nigeria which can only be achieved in an atmosphere of fairness, justice and equity.

    “We therefore demand justice, fairness and equity for every ethnic group in Nigeria including the Igbo.

    “Recall that the states and geopolitical zones were created by the military administrations. All honest Nigerians know that the Igbo did not play much part during this exercise.

    “As a result, the South-East was shortchanged with five states while other zones have minimum of six states.

    He added that the situation had placed the South East in a very difficult position, politically, economically and socially.

    “Our political power has been reduced as we have a few senators and also in the House of Representatives; governors, house of assembly and local governments,” he said.

    The president general added that in federal revenue allocation, the region was denied the revenue that came on the basis of states as well as federal board appointments and other resource distributions which they were strategically shortchanged.

    “We wish to observe that this situation was not caused by the current administration but we however, appeal to His Excellency, Mr Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to help us remedy the situation and restore justice, equity and fairness in Nigeria.

    “We pray the Almighty to bless and prosper our country, Nigeria and give our leaders the wisdom and knowledge to steer the ship of Nigerian nation to peace, happiness and prosperity for all Nigerians irrespective of ethnicity, creed and political persuasion,” he prayed.