TheNewsGuru

Tag: Ohanaeze

  • We are solidly behind Ekweremadu – Ohanaeze elders

    We are solidly behind Ekweremadu – Ohanaeze elders

    The Chairman, Council of Elders of  Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu has said the council remains solidly behind former Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, detained in the United Kingdom.

    Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide is the apex socio-cultural organisation of the Igbo people.

    Iwuanyanwu said this in a release which he signed and made available to newsmen in Owerri, on Thursday.

    Ekweremadu and his wife, Beatrice, are facing trial in a Westminster Court, in the United Kingdom for allegedly coercing a minor, identified as David Ukpo, to have his kidney harvested and transferred to the Senator’s daughter, Sonia.

    Iwuanyanwu, an elder statesman said the Ohanaeze Elders Council was determined to defend any honest and patriotic citizen whose right and freedom is being unduly trampled upon anywhere in the world.

    He described Ekweremadu as a very active member of the Organisation, adding that the news about his arrest and that of his wife in far away London was received with shock.

    He urged the Westminster authorities to strive for justice while expressing delight that  the true story about the predicament of the embattled former Deputy Senate President and his wife had began to emerge.

    “We do not have any doubt whatsoever that the truth will soon emerge and our son and his wife will be vindicated.

    “We wish to express our solidarity to a  dear colleague and friend during this trying period,” he said.

    He, however, prayed God to grant divine healing to the ailing daughter of Ekweremadu, Sonia.

  • Party primaries: Ohanaeze react, says political elite has orchestrated to deny the South-East presidency

    Ambassador Professor George Obiozor, the President General of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide,  has reacted to the presidential nominations of the All Peoples Congress (APC) and the main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), for the 2023 elections.

    Professor George Obiozor, stated that the Nigerian national political elite has successfully orchestrated to deny the South-East an opportunity to produce the president of Nigeria come 2023.

    He disclosed this in a statement titled “What does Nigeria want from Ndigbo?” through the National Publicity Secretary of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Dr Alex Ogbonnia, on Saturday morning.

    Thenewsguru.com reports that Bola Tinubu, the former Lagos State Governor from the South-West, won the APC presidential ticket, while former Vice President Atiku Abubakar from the North-East won the PDP presidential ticket in their party primaries.

    Obiozor speaking said, “Now it is clear that the Nigerian national political elite has successfully orchestrated to deny the South-East an opportunity to produce the president of Nigeria come 2023.

    “By this machination, some Nigerian leaders have demonstrated gross historic injustice towards Ndigbo, beyond our expectations.”

    Obiozor, who is convalescing in a Dubai hospital, states that Nigeria, by its deliberate injustice, has failed the Rotary Club International four-way tests, “which are: First – Of the things we think, say or do: Is it the TRUTH? Second – Is it FAIR to all concerned? Third – Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? And Fourth – Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?”

    While urging Ndigbo not to lament much but wait for the verdict of history, he expressed his conviction that in the end, this political manipulation would end in “a Pyrrhic victory for those who rejoice and celebrate injustice.”

    He thanked Nigerian statesmen and patriots across the country, who supported the idea for the South-East to produce the president of Nigeria in 2023, based on Nigerian proven history of rotation of power between the north and the south as well commitment to equity, justice and fairness.

  • Ohanaeze Ndigbo wants zoning of the presidency in the Constitution

    Ohanaeze Ndigbo wants zoning of the presidency in the Constitution

    The Council of Elders, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has said that rotating the country’s presidency within its six geo-political zones should be made constitutional for equity, justice and fairness going forward.

    Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Chairman of the council, said this while briefing newsmen at the end of its extra-ordinary meeting on Sunday in Abuja.

    He said limiting the zoning of the country’s presidency to the North and South is vague and should therefore be discouraged.

    Iwuanyanwu said the council believes that if it was agreed that the presidency should be zoned to the South in 2023, since the South-West and South-South had produced the country’s presidents, it was now the turn of the South-East.

    According to him, the South-East leaders did everything possible to convince the South-West and South-South leaders on the need for it to produce the country’s next president in 2023.

    He said the leaders, including Middle Belt leaders, agreed that it was the turn of the South-East and even made public statements to support Igbo presidency in 2023.

    He added that while the leaders agreed that it was the turn of the South-East to produce the country’s next president at the end of President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure in 2023, the political class took a contrary decision.

    “The political class unfortunately took another decision which made us feel terribly betrayed, not by the elders, but by the political class.

    “Because we are sure that the elders in the whole South and middle belt supported Igbo presidency in 2023.

    “So it is our strong view that issues of zoning the presidency should be put in the Constitution and it should be rotated among the country’s six geo-political zones.

    “The question of rotating the presidency between North and South is very vague, after all, the federal character is very glaring,” Iwuanyanwu said.

    He added that though the South-East geo-political zone was disappointed that none of the two major political parties zoned its presidential ticket to the region, it would not boycott the 2023 general elections as being speculated.

    He said Nigerians of Igbo extraction are major stakeholders in the Nigerian project and the only tribe seen across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) doing businesses and contributing to national development.

    “We are not going to abandon Nigeria, we are the biggest investors in any part of the country, so we are not going to withdraw our participation in any political activities.

    “We will fully participate in all political activities ahead of 2023 general elections, but we are going to watch and probably make a statement later.

    “But let it be known to Nigerians that Igbos are going to fully participate in the 2023 general elections,” he said.

    He, meanwhile, decried the situation where certain persons made claims on behalf of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, adding that the council had only one recognised structure, headed by Pro. George Obiozor, its President General, and Amb. Okey Emuchay, its General Secretary.

    “The Council of Elders, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, is worried that some people make reckless statements on behalf of Ohanaeze, Nigerians should ignore such persons.

    “The only persons authorised  to make statements on behalf of Ohanaeze is Prof. George Obiozor and Amb. Okey Emuchay,” Iwuanyanwu said.

    He added that the council had, however, passed a voted of absolute confidence on Obiozor’s leadership because he was doing well.

    He expressed concern over the current insecurity problems in the country, saying that there was the need for the Federal Government to do more to address the situation before it gets out of hands..

    He also expressed sadness over the recent killings of some worshipers at St. Francis Catholic Church Owo, Ondo State, noting that most of those killed were of Igbo extraction.

    He said the council had directed that a letter of condolence should be sent to the Ondo State governor to express the views and support of the council to the people of the state.

    “By our Constitution, Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State is our son-in-law and an honorary member of Ohanaeze because he is marrying our daughter so also their children,” Iwuanyanwu said.

    He further added that the council at the meeting, set up different committees to proffer ways of addressing issues affecting the South-East region, especially in areas of education, electricity and security among others.

  • Buhari condemns violence in South East

    Buhari condemns violence in South East

    President Muhammadu Buhari has described as “deeply distressing” the wanton destruction of the buildings and assets of the Police and home of Prof. George Obiozor in Imo state.

    Obiozor is the President General of the Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo, and a leading voice of moderation in the affairs of the country.

    In a statement by his media aide, Malam Garba Shehu, on Sunday in Abuja, the president, who condemned the violence in the sub-region, urged everyone to maintain peace.

    According to him, the law and order situation in the entire South-east is being reviewed.

    The president, therefore, called on the people of Imo in particular and the sub-region in general, to maintain peace as the police and other agencies are working to ensure that normalcy is restored soon.”

    He extended sympathies to the police authorities over the losses of men and materials, and to Obiozor whom he urged to maintain his commitment to the ”peace and oneness of the federation against these senseless terrorists.”

  • Sit-at-home: Ohanaeze demands public apology from IPOB

    Sit-at-home: Ohanaeze demands public apology from IPOB

    The apex Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has asked the leadership of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, to tender a public apology and ask for forgiveness from Ndigbo for their mistakes which have destroyed the economic and social activities in the southeast.

    To solidarize with its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, IPOB had declared sit-at-home on Mondays and other days of trial on a treason charge brought against him by the Federal Government.

    Ohanaeze called on agitators of Biafra residing abroad to relocate to Nigeria to physically lead the struggle.

    IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, can no longer be hiding in places around the world while directing Igbo youths to destroy their land

    The group, which represents all Igbo communities within and outside Nigeria, warned the leadership of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, that the era of Biafra agitators hiding in Europe, America, or Asia is over.

    In a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the group said that the IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, can no longer be hiding in places around the world while directing Igbo youths to destroy their land.

    Ohanaeze maintained that it is an act of cowardice for them to hide in their comfort zone in Europe and America to lead Biafra agitation.

    According to the group, “We warn that the era of Biafra agitators, residing in Europe, Asia and America giving directives to Igbos have ended.

    “They should relocate to Nigeria to physically lead the struggle, as it’s an act of cowardice to hide in your comfort zone in Europe, and America to lead Biafra agitation.”

    The apex Igbo socio-cultural group also called on Governors in the South East of the country to search for lasting solutions to the ongoing weekly sit-at-home in the region.

    “It was time for the Governors to swing into action since they now blamed some yet to be identified criminals for hijacking the exercise,” Ohanaeze asserted.

    No Igbo Governor or Senator deserves to seek for election in 2023 if they lacked the balls to stamp out the disgraceful activities that have ridiculed southeastern Nigerians

    The group pointed out that it was obvious that men of the underworld have taken advantage of IPOB’s miscalculations to unleash terrorist raids and onslaughts against Ndigbo.

    Adding: “Drastic measures are needed to arrest this shameless activity that has paralyzed the academic, economic, and social activities in the southeast. The governors should know that posterity will be unkind and unfair to them if they concede to circumstances of sit-at-home and didn’t confront the hyper dreaded monster squarely.

    “No Igbo Governor or Senator deserves to seek for election in 2023 if they lacked the balls to stamp out the disgraceful activities that have ridiculed southeastern Nigerians, who are known as the best black entrepreneurs and business merchants across the globe.

    “We are compelled by the evidence of insubordination before us, to advise that the southeast governors should sack and dismiss all major markets leadership in their respective states or give them an ultimatum to quit adherence to the observation of sit at home.

    “All markets in the southeast are instrumental in helping the governors to end the absurdity of madness called the IPOB’s sit at home because the structure of most influencers of Sit at home is amongst the Market leadership in the southeast, and any day they pull out of the secessionist crusade, it will collapse like pack of cards.”

    Ohanaeze further blamed the IPOB for initially instituting the sit-at-home exercise without any consultative meetings with the Igbo leadership and political leaders.

  • Ohanaeze tackles IPOB over Sit-at-home order says move will unleash hardship on Ndigbo

    Ohanaeze tackles IPOB over Sit-at-home order says move will unleash hardship on Ndigbo

    The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, on Sunday, kicked against the one-week sit-at-home declared by the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.

    Recall that the pro-Biafra group had threatened a one-week sit-at-home if their leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, was not released forthwith.

    The declaration, targeted at the November 6 Anambra election, has been attracting wild condemnation.

    In a statement by the Secretary-General of the Chidi Ibeh-led apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, he said Ndigbo should not obey the order this time.

    He said, “any declaration that unleashes untold hardship, leads to the collapse of commercial and industrial activities, boycott of Anambra elections, and interrupts the academic calendar in the Southeastern states is nonsensical, absurd, and anti-Igbo agenda, for the enemy’s amusement.”

    While describing the order as the enslavement of Ndigbo, Isiguzoro said it was time “for the Igbo to rise to the occasion and end being trampled with orders from overseas by those without any investments in the South-East”.

    He added that “IPOB should discern that there was self-determination struggle in Africa before now. Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in jail and never in the history of the movement against Apartheid was starvation, anguish, and catastrophe unleashed on Black South Africans by ANC.

    “It is impulsive and reckless to order Ndigbo to observe one-week sit-at-home when it’s obvious that Nnamdi Kanu will not be released without the approval of courts.

    “IPOB should revisit and nullify the one-week sit-at-home or they will likely lose the support of the Ndigbo henceforth, Ndigbo must participate in Anambra election and nothing should stop it”.

    He cautioned that such orders if implemented would give a particular political party an edge in the election.

  • Why 2023 elections may not hold – Ex-Ohanaeze Ndigbo President

    Why 2023 elections may not hold – Ex-Ohanaeze Ndigbo President

    John Nwodo, former president-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has stated that the delay in restructuring the country may lead to a mass boycott or disruption of the 2023 elections.

    Speaking at the 14th Anthony Cardinal Okogie Foundation (ACOF) annual lecture themed, ‘Whither Nigeria: Restructuring, Secession or Status Quo’, organised by Knights of St. John International and Ladies Auxiliary (KSJI), Nwodo said restructuring is needed for the unity and development of the country.

    He said the independence and post-independence constitution were anchored on regional differences, which gave each region a preference to develop along its revenue capability and needs.

    He added that, sadly after the 1966 coup, the military created a unitary system for the country to suit its command structure.

    He said this structure which should have been discarded was firmly established in the 1999 constitution.

    Speaking further, Nwodo said Nigeria’s fundamental problem has remained so because the 1999 constitution is not a people centred document, but a military imposition that gave the north undue advantages over other federating units in the country.

    He said for the country to make progress, the military imposed constitution must be replaced with a more people-inclusive document.

    “Our expectation now is that our president, will address the situation by constituting a nationwide conversation of all ethnic nationalities to look into the 2014 national conference report and other trending views on this subject matter so as to come up with a consensus proposal,” he said.

    He said the present APC-led leadership and other political stakeholders must do all they can “to restructure before the next election in 2023, because the level of dissatisfaction in the country as evidenced by the last ENDSARS protest gives one the impression that any delay may lead to a mass boycott or disruption of the next elections to the point that we may have a more serious constitutional crisis of a nation without a government”.

  • Ohanaeze speaks against IPOB’s activities, says Igbos mustn’t perish in violence

    Ohanaeze speaks against IPOB’s activities, says Igbos mustn’t perish in violence

    Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Monday, called for stoppage of anarchy in Igbo land to attract development in the southeast.

    Amb George Obiozo, president general of Ohanaeza Ndigbo Worldwide, made this demand ahead of the annual celebration of the Igbo Day on 29th September 2021.

    According to Obiozor, “Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, traditional rulers and stakeholders call for an end towards anarchy in Igbo land. Our youths, particularly the leaders of IPOB, should take notice of the danger violence has posed in Igbo land.

    “Ndigbo must avoid being a race that has voluntarily chosen to perish in violence and insecurity, and we must stop threatening ourselves. There must be a stop to violence and violence rhetoric. Something other than the initial objectives of IPOB is taking place and it is dangerous.

    “Today, what we see in Igbo land is not liberation, but Ala Igbo destruction and devastation. It is a national tragedy for the Igbo. The liberty and freedom of Ndigbo are threatened internally and externally. I call on IPOB leaders to reassert the authority and control of the organization.

    “To our son Nnamdi Kanu himself, what good is it to have the greatest dream in the world, if others reap the benefit and glory. In history, there is only a thin line between a hero and a villain. The greatest tragedy for any leader in history is to end up from a hero to a villain.

    “Ndigbo must think again which way forward. Our disgust must be directed at leaders and fellow citizens, who do not want Ndigbo to become emancipated like themselves as Nigerian citizens.

    “What Ndigbo want is that we should become a light unto the world, like all good people in the world ought to be. That was precisely part of my critical message to President Muhammadu Buhari during his official visit to Imo State.

    “For Ndigbo, there must be evidence of increasing sense of belonging, equity, and justice for Ndigbo. Consequently, we thank Mr President for his appointment to our son, Senator Ifeanyi Ararume, and our daughter, Mrs Okadigbo, as chairman and member of the NNPC board respectively.

    “We repeat our preference for dialogue instead of violence or military solutions to national problems. The dialogue should not be delayed further. For Ndigbo, the demand is simple: that the Nigerian federation should be sustained and have a sense of stability. It must be a union of equals, and the composite units must have the ability to survive without begging the centre.

    “We must tell ourselves the truth or keep deceiving ourselves by ignoring the calls for decentralization and devolution of power in Nigeria. Ironically, in history, societies where truth comes last, tragedy comes first. We must learn the lessons of history, particularly our own Nigerian history on how the story began. Nigeria must avoid being a failed state.”

    Ohanaeze described the failure of the Southeast governors to launch the Ebubeagu security outfit as an embarrassment.

    Obiozoe said, “I strongly appeal to the governors without further hesitation to consolidate and launch the Ebubeagu security architecture in the Southeast. The security situation in the Southeast makes this call urgent and imperative.

    “Our people must have a security networking agency that is under their control and capable of identifying both internal and external security threats in Igbo land.”

  • ‘Enough Is Enough’, Ohanaeze condemns Enugu killings

    ‘Enough Is Enough’, Ohanaeze condemns Enugu killings

    The Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Enugu State chapter, Wednesday, condemned the killings at Okpokwu-Mgbuji community in Eha-Amufu, Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State.

    Recall TheNEwsGuru had earlier published reports about persons who were killed by alleged herders who invaded the community on Sunday. It was further gathered that the perpetrators were alleged masterminds of mayhems in Ebonyi State, who were dislodged by the Ebuebeagu security network currently security most local areas in Ebonyi.

    Ohanaeze, in a statement signed by its Enugu State president, Fred Odo Eze, a retired army general, and Dr Malachy Ochie, secretary, said, “The unwarranted invasion, wanton destruction of lives and property, including farmlands, by Fulani herdsmen at Okpokwu-Mgbuji community is the latest in the long list of carnage, mayhem, premeditated but unprovoked attacks by Fulani herdsmen in various communities in Enugu State.

    “This latest carnage, which occurred in the dead hours of Sunday, August 1, 2021, left eight persons dead, including a pregnant woman; and several others still missing as at the time of this press release.
    “Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Enugu State, condemns this attack on the peaceful Mgbuji community. This deliberate mass murder by these marauding herdsmen cannot be justified by any stretch of the imagination.

    “We, therefore, condemn this attack in its totality as barbaric, provocative and a clear assault on the accommodative spirit of Ndi-Enugu State. We can no longer tolerate the intentional decimation of our people by Fulani herdsmen or any other group for that matter; not today, tomorrow or ever.

    “This must stop. We, therefore, call on security agencies and other critical stakeholders in the state to urgently identify and bring the culprits to book.”

    Ohanaene commended Gov Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for his prompt response over the situation.

  • Nnamdi Kanu: Ohanaeze meets, constitutes legal team

    Nnamdi Kanu: Ohanaeze meets, constitutes legal team

    The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has bared its mind on the interception and re-arraignment of leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

    National Executive Committee (NEC) of the apex Igbo body rose from its meeting in Enugu, Saturday, pledging to monitor every aspect of the trial process.

    A communique released by its spokesman, Alex Ogbonnia said the group has constituted a committee of eminent Igbo lawyers and leaders to track the proceedings throughout the trial.

    The communique read: “That Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has observed with keen interest the recent re-arraignment and consequent trial of our son, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

    “That in as much as Ohanaeze Ndigbo is not averse to the trial of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, we however submit that he should be tried within the ambit of the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and in line with global best practices.

    “That as part of our avowed determination to ensure the fair trial of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, we have constituted a legal team led by the National Legal Adviser of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and eminent Igbo leaders to monitor the legal proceedings, throughout the trial.

    “That we strongly support the stand taken by the Southern Governors Forum on anti-open grazing, restructuring, rotation of the President of Nigeria to the South in 2023, and the proposed 5% share of the Petroleum Industries Bill (PIB) for the host communities.

    “That we identify with the Igbo youths in their grievances with respect to Igbo marginalization, menace of the Fulani herdsmen, etc; however we do not support the use of any form of violence to redress the relative deprivation and prevailing inequality and injustice across the country. We therefore urge the youths to be law abiding and sheath their sword as the South East leaders and stakeholders address these our collective grievances through meaningful dialogue and negotiations.

    “That we therefore urge Ndigbo particularly the youths to take the ongoing voters’ registration exercise seriously, as this is the only means that guarantees effective participation in Nigerian politics and a sine qua non to achieving our goals and aspirations in the Nigeria project.”