Ohanaeze Presidency: Rivers State Ndigbo Urges Ijaw National Congress to Stay Out of Its Affairs
The Rivers State chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, also known as Ogbakor Ndi Igbo na Rivers, has urged the Ijaw National Congress (INC) not to interfere in its organizational matters.
PulseNets learnt that the IjaRivers State Ndigbo Urges Ijaw National Congress to Refrain from Interfering in Their Affairsw National Congress recently reacted to a communiqué issued by the convener of Ogbakor Ndi Igbo na Rivers, Livingstone Wechie.
The communiqué was released following a stakeholders’ meeting held on Monday, November 18, 2024, in Port Harcourt, during which Rivers State Ndigbo declared their readiness to produce the next President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
In response, the INC, through a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Ezonebi Oyakemeagbegha, warned the Ohanaeze Ndigbo to refrain from encroaching into matters concerning Rivers State.
The INC reiterated its belief in one Nigeria but cautioned that, should separation become inevitable, the Ijaw people would remain independent, neither aligning with Ohanaeze Ndigbo nor Afenifere.
Reacting to INC’s statement, Wechie told PulseNets:
“We believe the Ijaw National Congress when they say their intent is to foster peaceful coexistence, and we share the same commitment to harmony. However, we must respectfully clarify that our demand for the presidency of Ohanaeze Ndigbo is not a matter that concerns the Ijaw nation.
“Ndigbo have no interest in encroaching on territories belonging to other groups. We have been neighbours and friends to the Ijaw for centuries. They know our lands and our people as well as we know their lands and their people. Anyone who seeks to blur these clear lines is either uninformed or engaged in mischief.
“We must always remember that Rivers State is a multicultural and multi-ethnic state, with various indigenous groups, distinct identities, and kindred ties. Our historical and biological connections run deep and are not barriers to peaceful coexistence but rather propellants for the practice of mutual respect.
“Ultimately, our efforts will ensure inclusivity and shared prosperity among all ethnic nationalities in Rivers State and beyond. We believe there is indeed a brighter future for all Nigerians when we practice restraint, mutual respect, and tolerance.”
Meanwhile, the former Deputy Secretary-General of Ohanaeze, Chief Uche Okwukwu, spoke to PulseNets about the Rivers Igbos’ aspiration to lead the Ohanaeze Ndigbo:
“The Rivers State Igbos’ aspiration to produce the next President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, come January 10, 2025, has received a major boost, thanks to the backing of key stakeholders who insist on upholding the constitution.
“Notable traditional rulers and members of Ime Obi Ohanaeze, including ex-Secretary Generals from Anambra, Enugu, Delta, and Ebonyi, have all lined up to confirm that Rivers will be given its constitutional right in accordance with Article 11 of Ohanaeze’s constitution, which ensures that the position of President-General is rotated among the seven member states, namely: Abia, Enugu, Anambra, Ebonyi, Imo, Igbo-speaking areas of Rivers, and Delta States.
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“There should be an intellectual discourse, a robust one, to first make it clear, and after that, a communiqué will be issued, establishing the right of Rivers Igbo to produce the next President-General.”
PulseNets reported that the push for Rivers State to produce the next Ohanaeze President-General follows the death of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the 11th President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, on July 25, 2024, at the age of 81.
