The battle for the next President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo has sparked tensions between the Rivers State chapter of Ohanaeze and the Ijaw National Congress (INC).
A recent communique issued by Livingstone Wechie, convener of Ogbakor Ndi-Igbo na Rivers State, ignited the controversy.
In the communique, Wechie announced that the Rivers State Igbo were ready to produce the next Ohanaeze Ndigbo President-General.
However, the INC, in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Ezonebi Oyakemeagbegha, warned Ohanaeze to steer clear of Rivers State affairs.
The INC emphasized its belief in one Nigeria but declared that the Ijaw would not surrender their autonomy to any ethnic group.
They stated that if Nigeria were to break up, the Ijaw would stand independently rather than align with groups like Ohanaeze or Afenifere.
Reacting to the INC’s warning, Livingstone Wechie called for calm and mutual respect.
“We believe the Ijaw National Congress when they say they want peaceful coexistence,” Wechie said.
He stressed that the demand for the Ohanaeze presidency was strictly an internal Igbo matter and should not concern the Ijaw.
“Ndigbo have no interest in encroaching on other groups’ territories,” he added.
Wechie highlighted the historical friendship between the Igbo and Ijaw, emphasizing their mutual understanding.
He warned against misinformation and called for unity.
“Anyone trying to create division is either uninformed or engaging in mischief,” he stated.
Wechie also noted the multicultural nature of Rivers State.
“Our state is home to many ethnic groups, and this diversity should foster mutual respect, not conflict,” he explained.
Wechie assured that the Igbo’s quest for the presidency would promote inclusivity and prosperity.
“A brighter future awaits Nigerians if we all embrace restraint, respect, and tolerance,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chief Uche Okwukwu, former Deputy Secretary-General of Ohanaeze, expressed optimism about Rivers State’s chances.
He revealed that key stakeholders support the Rivers Igbo’s aspiration to lead Ohanaeze.
“The constitution is clear, and Rivers State has every right to produce the next President-General,” Okwukwu said.
He cited Article 11 of the Ohanaeze constitution, which mandates rotational leadership among seven states.
These states include Abia, Enugu, Anambra, Ebonyi, Imo, and the Igbo-speaking areas of Rivers and Delta.
Okwukwu emphasized the importance of upholding this constitutional provision.
“Traditional rulers and former Secretary-Generals from across the region back this move,” he disclosed.
He called for intellectual engagement to clarify the Rivers Igbo’s rights.
“We need robust discussions, followed by a communique affirming Rivers State’s position,” he suggested.
The push for Rivers State to lead Ohanaeze comes after the death of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.
Iwuanyanwu, the 11th President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, passed away on July 25, 2024, at age 81.
