The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine

Tag: Ohanaeze

  • Ohanaeze: Obiozor’s burial rescheduled to February 10

    Burial for the demised President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide, Prof. George Obiozor has been rescheduled to take place on February 10 2023 at his home town, Awo-Omamma, Oru-East local government area of Imo state.

    However, the burial for the Deputy President General of the apex Igbo organization, High Chief Joel Kroham, remains February 4 at Ahoda, Rivers state.

    Rising from a second emergency meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Enugu, on Friday, Secretary General of the group, Amb. Okey Emuchay disclosed the activities prior to the burial of the late President General.

     

    “We are going to have a valedictory at the National secretariat in the building which was renovated during his tenure as PG, at the building where we held our Ime-Obi with him, on Thursday 5th of May 2022.

     

    “There will be activities in Lagos Ohanaeze state chapter and other groups are planning to honour him at the Nigeria Institute of International Affairs Victoria Island Lagos. Other groups in Abuja are also planning to honour him and we as NEC of Ohanaeze will have a valedictory session for him in our national secretariat Enugu,” Emuchay disclosed.

     

    He further revealed that the burial committee would be chaired by a former President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Garry Igariwey, while the secretary of the committee is the President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Imo state, Barr. CB Ihenedu, with all members of Ohanaeze NEC as members of the committee together with other stakeholders and Ohanaeze members from the seven states of Ohanaeze.

     

    “As you can notice, these two seats (pointing at two unoccupied seats) are vacant. That used to be the seat of the deputy President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and the other, that of the President General of Ohanaeze. They are all in the mortuary.

     

    “This is the first time in the history of Ohanaeze that Ohanaeze will have its President General and the deputy President General dead about the same time, but Ohanaeze NEC wants to assure that the ship of Ohanaeze is in safe hands. We shall pass through this difficult period and everything will be done to ensure that the PG of Ohanaeze, the deputy PG of Ohanaeze and that of Mbazulike Amaechi, the first republic minister of Aviation, who is also going to be buried on the 16th of February, Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide will ensure that these three patriots, these three sons of Igbo nation are accorded the dignity and honour that they deserve,” Emuchay said emotionally.

     

    He appealed to all Ohanaeze members, chapters, all structures of Ohanaeze both in Nigeria and in diaspora to open condolence books, such as has been done in the national secretariat in Enugu, so that people could go and have opportunity to say bye-bye to the late President General.

     

    “Formal letters will go to the Governors of the seven Ohanaeze states, to the leaders of our partners in Southern Nigeria and the Middle Belt Forum, together with the leadership of Northern Elders’ Forum. We’ve been in touch with them and they are shocked at what has happened. So we will write to them formally as we have done with the seven Ohanaeze governors and other stakeholders including the former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and others, to convey the new date of 10th of February 2023 for the burial of our departed PG,” Emuchay said.

    (Vanguard)

  • Ohanaeze Ndigbo President dies, Ohanaeze, Afenifere, MBF, others mourn

    Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma has confirmed the death of the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Prof. George Obiozor.

    The Igbo leader’s exit had been widely speculated since Monday, December 26, but was later dispelled by officials of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation.

    But after about 48hours of uncertainty over the issue, the Imo State Government has officially announced that Obiozor succumbed to the cold hands of death as was being rumoured.

    Uzodimma said the stated was saddened by the death of the great son of the state and Nigeria.

    The governor who described Obiozor as a renowned academic, an exceptional diplomat and statesman as well as tenacious patriot, said that he passed on recently after a brief illness.

    According to the governor, “The death of this foremost Igbo leader and former Nigeria’s ambassador to the United States and the State of Israel, is a big loss to Imo state, the South East and the entire Nigeria. I have no doubt that both Nigeria and the international community will miss his profound intellectual contributions and wise counsel on national and global issues.”

    Uzodimma added that his burial arrangements will be announced in due course by the family.

    Frontline ethnic nationality organisations including the Afenifere, the Middle Belt Forum (MBF), the Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF) and Aka Ikenga, in separate reactions noted that the demise of the former Nigerian ambassador to the United States and Israel, as well as High Commissioner to Cyprus, was a great loss to not only Ohanaeze but to Nigeria as a whole and the world in general.

    They described Obiozor as a patriot and intellectual, adding that he died at a time his intelligence and patriotism were most needed.

    The groups prayed God to grant the immediate family, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the South East and Nigeria the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

    Expressing shock, national leader of Afenifere, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, said: “What a pity, it is not time for him to go because he is the kind of man that Nigeria needs at this time. Prof Obiozor is a great patriot, someone who genuinely believes in Nigeria, he was a great ambassador of Nigeria and one of the intellectuals that Nigeria is very proud of, may his soul rest in peace.”

    For President of the MBF, Dr Pogu Bitrus, Obiozor’s death is a great loss to the country, even as it is sudden.

    “All of us will have to go one day but Prof Obiozor’s passing is too soon. I would have wished for him to still be around to see the realisation of the Peter Obi phenomenon. May his soul rest in peace.”

    President of AYCF, Yerima Shettima described Obiozor as a peace maker, who believes in the unity of Nigeria.

    “We first condole his family and the entire Igbo race worldwide. Prof Obiozor was a great man, from the little time I have known him, he has demonstrated that he is a peace-loving man that believes in the unity of the country and an intellectual per excellence. His death is a great loss to Nigeria as a whole, not just to the Igbo. We pray for his soul to rest in peace and for God to give the family the fortitude to bear the loss.”

    Elder statesman, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, in his condolence message said Nigerians and Igbo would miss the Ohanaeze President General.

    According to him, Obiozor died when the South East needed him most.

    “He served Nigeria diligently and has written his name in the sands of time,” he said.

    Similarly, Youth Wing Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN) said Nigeria would definitely miss his intellectual prowess.

    A statement by the national chairman of the association, Belusohukwu Ewerem read: “There can be no understanding the sting of death, the vacuum it will create in Igboland. South East, Nigerians and indeed the world at large will no doubt miss his intellectual prowess and wisdom.”

    Ohanaeze said he was an erudite scholar, seasoned diplomat, resourceful bureaucrat, author, cultural leviathan, political submarine, pathfinder, an Igbo titan of incredible global reckoning, and silent achiever.

    The renowned scholar had served Nigeria meritoriously as the director-general, Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Lagos; High Commissioner to Cyprus; Nigerian Ambassador to the State of Israel and the Nigerian Ambassador to the United States of America. He was elected as the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide on Sunday January 10, 2021.

    On April 9, this year, shortly after he returned from a brief medical vacation abroad, an array of Igbo dignitaries gathered at the Imo State Government House, Owerri, to celebrate him.

    (Sun)

  • Police confirm killing of EbubeAgu operative in Ebonyi

     

    The Ebonyi State Police Command’s spokesperson, DSP Loveth Odah, said the incident occurred on Saturday night in Igweledeoha, Amagu, in Ikwo Local Government Area.

    According to her, the DPO of Ikwo Police Division said that he received a phone call from a source at Igweledeoha that one ESN operative had been murdered, that he was partially burnt by unknown persons in his beer parlour on Agubia Road.

    “The DPO said that he quickly mobilised a team of police operatives to the area but the culprits had deserted the place when they got there.

    “He said the corpse has been taken to the General Hospital for preservation and autopsy,” the police spokesperson said.

    According to the Police Spokesperson, two suspects had been arrested in connection with the crime.

    She said the Commissioner of Police, Mr Garba Aliyu, expressed dismay over the killing and promised to bring the perpetrators to book.

    Tension in Okigwe, Ehime in Imo

    Some of those who spoke to Vanguard from Okigwe town said it is almost becoming a daily occurrence.

    A bus driver, Ejike said that God will continue to protect people driving through Owerri- Okigwe road as many evil things are happening especially at night.

    “Small boys with guns will just stop you and collect your money.”

    Also, a former local government Chairman from Imo North Senatorial district, who does not want his name mentioned for security reasons told Vanguard: “Before it gets late on the security situations in Okigwe and the entire Imo North Senatorial district, I will advise the Imo State Commissioner of Police to move his men to Okigwe.

    “I beg the security agencies to come now and secure Okigwe zone before what happened in Orlu local government will start happening here. These bad boys are moving into our villages and towns. They are now committing armed robbery activities.

    “Every day, you hear bad stories about stealing from the market, snatching of vehicles or killings and sometimes, these hoodlums will come out and shoot indiscriminately to scare people and cause panic. I beg something should be done now.”

    An intelligence officer who spoke to Vanguard said it has been observed that the hoodlums who were displaced and dislodged by security agencies have relocated to Okigwe to form a camp.

    According to him, “We know that the reason Orlu was somehow quiet was that these hoodlums have moved to other areas especially Okigwe local government area.”

     

     

     

     

    Source: www.vanguardngr.com

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • We reject Anarchy and lawlessness in Igboland

    Continuous violence and wanton killings in the Southeast have been described by Ohanaeze Ndigbo as a systematic destruction of the geo-political zone.

     

     

    In a strong-worded statement on the security situation in the five states of Enugu, Ebonyi, Anambra, Abia and Imo, Ohanaeze called on the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) to facilitate an end to the carnage.

     

    Policemen are randomly attacked and killed at check points and in attacks on their stations, civilians are attacked and killed in broad daylight by rampaging gunmen in the states.

     

    The IPOB randomly calls sit-at-home which halts businesses. The organisation has already called for another sit-at-home on October 1.

     

    Ohanaeze also faulted Southeast governors for failing to put the former regional security organisation Ebube Agu into operation months after it was given birth to.

     

    In the statement, signed by its President-General Prof. George Obiozor, Ohanaeze said: “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 and there must be a stop to violence and violent rhetoric. Something other than the initial objectives of IPOB is taking place and it is dangerous.

     

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

     

    Read Also: We’ve not declared no election in Anambra – IPOB

    “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 about which way forward. Our Anger and 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 His Excellency President Mohammed Buhari during his official visit to Imo state. For Ndigbo, the President and the Federal Government, there must be evidence of an increasing sense of belonging, equity, and justice for Ndigbo. Consequently, we thank Mr. President for his appointment to our Distinguished Son Senator Ifeanyi Ararume and our Daughter as Chairman and member of the NNPC board respectively.”

     

    He added: “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 decentralisation and devolution of power in Nigeria. Ironically, in history, in 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.

     

    “To the Southeast governor’s delay in launching Ebube Agu security outfit is an embarrassment. I strongly appeal to the governors without further hesitation to consolidate and launch Ebubeagu security architecture, in the South-East. The security situation in the South-East 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.”

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Source: www.thenationonlineng.net

  • Facilitate Nnamdi Kanu’s release- IPOB, Ohanaeze

     

    Igbo leaders in the United Kingdom have demanded immediate and unconditional release of leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, currently in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Abuja.

     

    The group which also flayed the rendition of Kanu, a British citizen to Nigeria for trial, also demanded that he should be paid full compensation for kidnap, torture, rendition and illegal detention.

     

     

    They further called on the international community to impose economic and other diplomatic sanctions on the Nigerian government including its principal officers for their blatant human rights breaches, violations, corruption and acts of genocide against Nigerians, if adequate and acceptable correctional measures were not implemented within a reasonable timeframe.

     

    Text of a press conference in UK by President, Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo, UK Dr Nnanna Igwe, Coordinator, Congress of Igbo Leaders (CIL) UK, Obi Okoli, Leader, Council of Igbo Community (CIC) UK, Alex Coker Ezemakam and Chairman, Ogbako Ndi Igbo, UK, Dr Jude Eze, also read: “We are united in our condemnation and rejection of the security status quo in Igboland and Nigeria.

     

    “We demand of the Federal Government an immediate withdrawal of its deadly troops from the South East region of Nigeria.

     

     

     

    “We ask that they put a stop to the senseless killings of Nigerian Christians including Igbo youths. There is no justification whatsoever for this mindless madness. Consequently, we view continued slaughtering of Igbo youths as a disguised attempt at ethnic cleansing; the youths are the future. And ours cannot be wasted.

     

    “We request the Federal Government to take urgent remedial steps to institute a comprehensive national dialogue, aimed primarily at resolving the apparent imbalances and injustices within the polity. It’s our considered thought that the lopsided federal systems and structure if unresolved and quickly too, could feed more civil unrest and erode confidence in politicians.

     

    “We fully and wholeheartedly support the clarion calls for a truthful restructuring of the country to a functional fiscal federalism with meaningful political and economic powers devolved to the regions,” the group stated.

     

    The coalition said it was mobilising for the ‘London mega 2 peaceful rally’ slated for Saturday, July 24, at London UK Trafalgar Square, to call for Kanu’s release and push for a stop to genocide in the South East of Nigeria.

     

    President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo UK and Ireland, stated that there would be visits to the British Parliament, No 10 Downing Street; the United States Embassy, Nigerian High Commission and the Commonwealth  headquarters, London.

     

     

     

     

     

    Source: www.sunnewsonline.com

  • 2023 Presidency: Ohanaeze pushes for Igbo presidency

    Apex Igbo organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, yesterday, said there was no going back on the push for a president of Igbo origin in 2023.

     

    It described the clamour for the president by Igbo as equity-inspired, adding that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had betrayed Igbo in spite its long years of support to the party.

     

     

     

    Reacting to the recently released committee report of the PDP bordering on the 2023 presidential election, the Igbo group said they would rely on their goodwill across the geopolitical zones to push for the position.

     

    PDP Committee on the Review of the 2019 General Elections, headed by Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, had recommended that the party should allow aspirants from all parts of the country to contest for its 2023 presidential ticket.

     

    Mohammed, however, acknowledge that “ in line with certain unwritten conventions of the nation’s history, many people think that for fairness and equity, the North-East and South-East geo-political zones that have had the shortest stints at the Presidency should be given special consideration in choosing the presidential flag bearer of the party for the 2023 elections.”

     

     

     

    Ohanaeze said the report by the Mohammed-led committee was most despicable, un-reflective and unconscionable.

     

    A statement by Ohanaeze’s National Publicity Secretary, Alex Ogbonnia, said it was worrisome that some highly placed Nigerians who had benefited so much from the unity of the country, would be inclined to decisions and actions that would further inflame the passions of the patient, but aggrieved part of the country.

     

    Ohanaeze said Nigerians agreed on rotation of presidency between the North and the South, and that it was the turn of the South it vie for the position after the expiration of the tenure of President Muhammadu Buhari.

     

    “For clarity purposes, both the South West and the South South had both taken their turns in the persons of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan respectively. It is rather very unpatriotic and a trifle on the sensibilities of Igbo for the committee to even suggest the rotation of the presidency to the North East in the first instance and open to every part of Nigeria as a major slight.”

     

    “It is disturbing that all the indignities, perceived and real, that the South East suffer in the current dispensation are the outcome of Igbo support to the PDP since 1999. It is on record that in 1999, Igbo were in hock with the PDP through which Chief Olusegun Obasanjo emerged President, same in 2003 and subsequent elections. On the other hand, the Igbo had invested much political capital in the PDP only to be betrayed by its apparent lack in principles. The leadership of the PDP is advised to retract the comment made by Bala Mohammed and countermand the content of the obnoxious committee report in the intere st of the party.”

     

     

     

     

     

    www.sunnewsonline.com

  • Court dismisses suit against Ohanaeze Ndigbo, declares it a legal entity

    The Abuja division of the Federal High Court sitting, yesterday, in Abuja, dismissed a suit seeking to declare the apex Igbo social-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo as an illegal association.

    Justice Inyang Ekwo specifically dismissed an application brought by the Incorporated Trustees of Ohanaeze Ndigbo General Assembly, seeking an order to compel the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu and the Attorney General of the Federation to commence criminal prosecution of Ohanaeze Ndigbo President-General, Prof. George Obiozor, and others, for allegedly operating an unregistered association.

    The applicant of the suit had claimed that the apex Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, was an illegal association. Ruling in the suit filed by Amobi Nzelu, on behalf of the applicant for a judicial review, Justice Ekwo held that the applicant has failed to furnish the court with facts that would warrant the granting of its relief.

    In the suit marked, FHC/ABJ/CS/56/2021, the applicant applied for leave for the issuance of an order of mandamus compelling the IGP and AGF to exercise its powers and “arrest, investigate and commence criminal proceedings against Prof. George Obiozor, Obi Nwali, Okey Emuche, Beatrice Eze, Bartholomew Okeke and Ogbonna for running an illegal and/or unregistered association known as Ohanaeze Ndigbo.”

    The motion exparte was brought pursuant to order 34 Rules 1(a) and (3) of the Federal High Court Rules 2019 and section 6(6) (a) of the 1999 constitution. The plaintiff’s counsel had alleged that while his client is registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), the name “Ohanaeze Ndigbo” was not captured in the commission’s record as the organisation headed by Prof. Obiozor.

    But in his ruling, Justice Ekwo said the applicant failed to provide facts to guarantee the success of his application. Subsequently, he termed the suit as frivolous and dismissed it for lacking in merit.

    The ruling partly reads: “In my opinion, where such prayer is sought, it must be demonstrated with concrete evidence that those sought to be arrested, investigated and prosecuted have criminal offence(s) known to  law.”

     

     

     

    Source: www.sunnewsonline.com

  • Northern leaders complain over alleged attack on fulani

     

    Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has lamented alleged attacks on Fulani herders in some states in the South East and South West, and appealed to President Muhammdu Buhari, State governors and the police to intervene.

    NEF, in a statement, yesterday, by its Director, Publicity and Advocacy, Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, warned against the profiling of Fulani as terrorists and kidnappers, explaining that not all of them indulge in such act.

    He said: “Northern Elders Forum (NEF) is deeply worried by reports of ejections under threats and attacks on Fulani herders, families and communities in some states of the South.

    “The Forum has been receiving these reports since the night of Sunday, January 31, and had taken the responsible step by drawing the attention of authorities to the dangers which these attacks represent for all Nigerians.

    “We have also advised law-abiding Fulani communities to seek protection where it is available, and have appealed to other Fulani to resist the temptation to take the law into their own hands.

    “It is necessary to warn people who threaten law-abiding Fulani communities in all parts of Nigeria, but, particularly, in some parts of the South, to desist.

    “The vast majority of Fulani are law-abiding and have rights to live lawfully wherever they can find means of subsistence.

    “Like all Nigerians who can be found in every inch of Nigeria, the rights of the Fulani will not be abridged by criminals hiding behind ethnic interests to exterminate them.

    “Citizens and groups who play the role of police and other law-enforcement agencies are committing crimes, and they must be stopped by leaders who are sworn to protect the law and security of all Nigerians.

    “The Forum reminds the nation that there are criminals in all ethnic groups, and the nation will be treading dangerous grounds if it continues to tolerate the demonisation of entire groups over particular types of crimes.

    “The Forum calls on President Muhammadu Buhari and State governors to take immediate and decisive steps to protect law-abiding members of Fulani communities from killers and criminals who apparently believe that Fulani have no rights in Nigeria.

    “It demands the immediate arrest and prosecution of persons who are attacking Fulani and setting the country on a very dangerous path.

    “The Forum repeats its earlier position that the Fulani will not be ejected from any Nigerian community only on the basis of being Fulani or herding cattle within the limits of laws and regulations.

    “States which seek to limit criminal activities are perfectly entitled to do so, but they must follow due process and avoid exposing innocent citizens to danger at all costs.

    “The Forum demands that the Nigeria Police must live up to its constitutional responsibility to detect crimes and arrest and prosecute criminals, whoever they are…”

    Reacting, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Afenifere Renewal Group and Middle Belt Forum have berated the Northern Elders Forum and accused the group of being economical with the truth on allegations that herders in the South were being attacked.

    Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Alex Ogbonnia, spokesman of Afenifere, Yinka Odumakin and President of the Middle Belt Forum, Dr. Bitrus Pogu, in separate telephone interviews with Daily Sun, urged the NEF to urge President Buhari to implement uniform policies on cattle ranching rather than whipping up sentiments.

     

     

     

    Source: www.sunnewsonline.com

  • Orlu disturbances: We are determined to prevent our people from being victims of Nigeria’s circumstances – Ohanaeze

    Ohanaeze Ndigbo, yesterday, said it will resist attempts to make the Igbo victims of circumstances or violence in Nigeria.

     

    It noted with agony the recent disturbances in Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State which resulted in loss of lives and properties as well as caused immense hardship to the citizens of Orlu Senatorial Zone and others.

     

    The apex Igbo organisation, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Alex Ogbonnia, said:

     

    “The present administration of Ohanaeze Ndigbo is determined to prevent our people from being victims of Nigeria’s circumstances and history of violence which they did not create nor can they alone control. Ndigbo, as the President General said, are builders and not nation wreckers/destroyers.”

     

    The group, therefore, called on Orlu people to remain calm.

    “We want to appreciate the quick response of Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, and all the Imo State security apparatus, who, with the cooperation of Federal Government authorities, contained and controlled this tragic event from escalating. The Imo state government’s quick action and decision on a dusk to dawn curfew and withdrawal of the army brought about relative peace to Orlu Zone and its environs.

     

    “We must recall that the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, in his maiden press conference in Enugu on 20th day of January 2021, categorically stated that Ndigbo are not at war with Nigeria and had nothing pending before any institutional authority that demands a separate existence from Nigeria.

     

    “Ohanaeze Ndigbo advises the people of Orlu Zone to remain calm and law abiding. And for those of us who misinterpret our tragic history, the Late Chukwuemeka Odumegbu Ojukwu’s statement that ‘the bone shall rise’ did not mean ‘conflict, violence and war’ but, indeed, means that Ndigbo should continue with their history of being creative and constructive in their engagements with the rest of Nigeria.

     

    “There is absolutely no cause, no goal, no national objectives that Ndigbo can achieve or is worthy of further loss of lives of our youths and others both in Igboland and beyond. Ohanaeze Ndigbo feels strongly that we should and we must continue our struggle for justice, equity and fairness with emphasis on options that are more likely to achieve those objectives without making our people experience the kind of wanton destructions and loss of lives that Igboland has experienced in the past, the group said.

     

    In another development, Ohanaeze congratulated the newly appointed service chiefs.

     

    But, however, decried the continued exclusion of South East the the nation’s security council.

     

    President General of Ohanaeze, George Obiozor stated: “We, particularly, thank Mr. President for the appointment of Major General Lucky Irabor a tested General and a gentleman. However, Mr. President, one way of ensuring compliance with federal character provision of the Nigerian constitution is to observe the distribution of important and vital offices of the Federal Government in accordance with the zonal structure.

     

    “Mr. President, particularly, in the area of the security architecture of the country, the South East zone which was conspicuously absent in your first term has now again not been included so far in your recent appointment of service chiefs.

     

    Ohanaeze Ndigbo hopes and believes that Mr. President in continuation of appointments in this sector would consider the South East zone.”

     

     

     

    Source: www.sunnewsonline.com

  • Igbo : Ohanaeze threatens to arrest Obiozor

    The Ohanaeze Ndigbo general assembly has threatened to arrest Prof. George Obiozor , a frontline presidential contender in the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation.

    Others being threatened with arrest are those contesting elections into chapters of the organisation at various levels.

    The President-General of the Ohaneze General Assembly, Basil Onyeacholam, disclosed this to our correspondents in Awka, Anambra State, on Thursday.

    Saying any attempt to conduct election for the leadership of Ohanaeze was illegal, Onyeacholam pointed out that his organisation was the authentic representative of the Igbo.

     

    He added that law enforcement agencies had been informed to act accordingly.

    He said,” The law of our land does not prohibit anybody from wasting his money. But any attempt by anybody to hold election in the name of Ohanaeze is going to be an effort in futility.

    “We have made our position clear; Ohanaeze is one. We have also reached out to some people that are involved, especially the elderly ones to come and man the elders’ council of our organisation, while the national executive leadership should be left to younger persons, that is the restructuring that is going on in Ohanaeze.

     

    “Anybody that is calling for any election anywhere is trying to organise what that is not proper in the eyes of the law. We have written to the security agencies.

    “Prof. Obiozor is 80 years. If Prof. Obiozor is to be anybody’s father or grandfather, would they allow him to be struggling at that age?”

     

    The Source had reported that the counsel for the Ohanaeze Ndigbo general assembly, recently registered by the Corporate Affairs Commission, Amobi Nzelu, had in November last year asked the police and the Department of State Services to stop the Ohanaeze Ndigbo election slated for January.

     

    Nzelu also urged security agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, to arrest the outgoing President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo, and other principal officers of the Igbo apex socio-cultural organisation, past and present, for allegedly running the organisation illegally.

    Reacting, the President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Anambra, Chief Okeke Ogene, described the threat as an empty one.

    He said, “If they feel they have the capacity they should come and arrest us. We are not afraid any threat.

    They should remember that a factional Ohanaeze like them had gone to court and court said they had no right to stop our elections.

    “The election going on is not the decision of one; it’s the decision of Imeobi (parliament) in the South-East that involves all traditional rulers, town unions and governors of the seven Igbo-speaking states.

    “Elections are continuing. Nobody has the powers to discuss the existence of Igbo nation than the Ohanaeze led by Nnia Nwodo is Ohanaeze of the Igbo nation that has history from the late Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe. We have a lineage; we have a founder; ask them who their founder is? Why are we wasting our energy to merchants and agents of destruction?

    ‘PG requires someone who has served’

    Meanwhile, one of the leading contestants for the office of President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Dr Joe Nworgu, has said that the position required someone who has had apprenticeship in the organisation.

    Nworgu, who spoke to our correspondent on Thursday, said he was in the race to champion Igbo interest since he had served in the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation in various capacities.

    Nworgu, who is a former deputy secretary-general and secretary-general of the body, said “I am in the race because Igbo are in a crossroad’s and the race required someone who has had an apprenticeship in Ohanaeze. Someone who knows the older men who have rendered service and the younger people who are coming in; therefore you have to stand on this two varies.

    “I have helped formulate policies for Ohanaeze under some president generals. I took part in formulating the present constitution of Ohanaeze that was approved in 2003. I have watched the older men take decisions because I have been a statutory member of Imeobi from 2002. That has exposed me to all the dealings, and who is who among the I gbo top echelon.”

     

    Source : www.punchng.com