WARNS 2 SOUTHEAST GOVERNORS AND OTHERS AGAINST OBSTRUCTING THE EMERGENCE OF THE PRESIDENT GENERAL ZONED TO RIVERS STATE

The Apex Igbo Socio-Cultural Organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, expresses its profound gratitude to all sons and daughters of Igbo lineage, both within our homeland and across the globe, for their unwavering commitment to the observance of the 2024 IGBO DAY held at many worship centers across the globe on Sunday 29th September 2024. This momentous occasion reached its zenith with a resounding call for strict adherence to the provisions of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Constitution. It is paramount to recognize that, as explicitly stipulated in our governing document, the constitutional right of Rivers State to produce the Office of the President General by the dates of January 10-11th, 2025, is both a duty and an honor that must be upheld with the utmost respect and integrity. The emergence of the President General from Rivers State through lawful and proper constitutional procedures is not merely a formal requirement; it is essential for fostering unity among the Igbo people.

In light of recent developments, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has been alarmed by the conspiring efforts of two Southeast Governors, alongside a former military general who served as both a Head of State and President of Nigeria from the Southwest, a former 2023 presidential candidate from an opposition party, a notable chieftain of the Pan Niger Delta organization, and several other subversive elements. These actors are seemingly united to undermine the constitutional prerogative of Rivers State and usurp its rightful claim to the presidency of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, instead favoring an individual from Abia State.

As vigilant observers of our historical narrative, we recognize the deeply entrenched implications of these actions. The former Head of State’s role in perpetuating the identity crisis within Igbo lineage and the Igbo-speaking areas of Rivers State, beginning with the conclusion and end of the Nigerian Civil War in 1970, cannot be overstated. Historical scrutiny reveals that certain factions, including the Pan Niger Delta representatives and their allies within the Ijaw leadership, are actively working behind the scenes to maintain the status quo established since the tragic conflict. They are motivated by an inherent fear that the emergence of an Ohanaeze Ndigbo President General from Rivers State might challenge and potentially rectify the divisions and discord that have persisted for decades, intricately woven by those in power who sought to sow seeds of disunity among our people.

Moreover, it is increasingly apparent that the aforementioned Southeast Governors and the 2023 presidential candidate are complicit in these subversive schemes, driven by political machinations and the calculations surrounding the upcoming 2027 elections. Such a prospect is not only disheartening but poses a significant threat to the integrity and unity of the Igbo nation.

In accordance with the guidance of the esteemed Prince Dr. Richard Ozobu, who leads the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Elders Forum, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, affirms that our organization remains immovable in its dedication to upholding the tenets and principles of Ohanaeze Ndigbo. We will prioritize the constitutional rights of Rivers State to elect the next President General, resisting all external influences that seek to impose another candidate from Abia State in direct contravention of our established constitutional framework.We have uncovered the evil plans of the two Southeast Governors to continue sponsoring some faceless and non-existent groups bearing Ikwerre ethnic names with the intentions of deny their Igboness and Igbo identities,a ploy to discredit Rivers State from producing the next President General, definitely Ndigbo will always overcome these obstacles.

It is imperative for Ndigbo to recognize our sophistication and agency; we will not be pawns in the schemes of two Southeast Governors, the 2023 presidential candidate, the former Head of State, or the Ijaw leader. We call upon all Igbo interest groups, organizations, and individuals to adopt a unified and cohesive position, ensuring that we remain steadfast in our commitment to preserving Igbo unity. It is only through collective action and solidarity with the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo that we can decisively thwart both internal and external plots aimed at compromising our rights and identity.

The emergence of the President General from Rivers State is sacrosanct, non-negotiable, and will be fiercely upheld by Ohanaeze Ndigbo. It is not merely a matter of political expediency but a fundamental assertion of our identity, heritage, and dignity as a people. Together, we shall rise against any forces that seek to impinge upon our autonomy and self-determination.

Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro
Secretary General
Ohanaeze Ndigbo
October 1st 2024