By Tony Adibe
The Igbo socio-cultural body, Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo, has debunked the false news of a worsening crisis amongst the group and the purported meeting with former President Olusegun Obasanjo at Abeokuta, capital of Ogun State.
Ohanaeze also said, regretfully, that “Unfortunately, for a long time, some scoundrels have been obsessed with a phantom crisis in Ohanaeze; a product of their perverted imaginations,” reiterating that “there’s no crisis whatsoever in Ohanaeze.”
In a statement which was signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Dr. Chiedozie Alex Ogbonnia, the group condemned with dismay the activities of “some purveyors of falsehood” about Ohanaeze.
Ogbonnia said he would have ignored the fake news from an unrepentant fifth columnist, had he not included in the mischievous statement, the respected name of Chief Obasanjo, an “ardent Igbo benefactor” , adding that he (Ogbonnia) needed to clarify few issues and apparently apologize to the former President on behalf of Ohanaeze.
The press release issued to journalists in Enugu read inter alia: “The attention of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has been drawn to a press release credited to one of the most persistent wary transgressors amongst the Igbo to the effect that “Crises Deepens (sic) in Ohanaeze.”
“The crises advocate went on to state that the former President of Nigeria and an ardent Igbo benefactor, His Excellency, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR hosted a meeting with some Ohanaeze chieftains at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
“I was tempted to ignore the press release since most Nigerians are already aware of the mischievous tendencies of the purveyors. In the first place, there is no crisis in Ohanaeze Ndigbo under the diplomatic and administrative competence of Ambassador Okey Emuchay, MFR, the Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
“The National Executive Committee (NEC) of Ohanaeze Ndigbo will soon meet and take decisions on a few crucial matters aimed at strengthening the apex Igbo socio-cultural body. Thereafter, an Imeobi Ohanaeze will be convened to articulate some far-reaching decisions for the interest of the Igbo nation.
“Unfortunately, for a long time, some scoundrels have been obsessed with a phantom crisis in Ohanaeze; a product of their perverted imaginations. The support and solidarity to Ohanaeze Ndigbo over the death of the Igbo Colossus, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu (Ahaejiagamba) by the Igbo and almost all Nigerians remains our source of strength, unity, and inspiration.
“I wish to use this medium to thank the Igbo sons and daughters for keeping faith with Ohanaeze Ndigbo. We still plead with the agent provocateurs, charlatans, meddlesome interlopers, and conflict entrepreneurs to desist from desecrating the hallowed name of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
“It is worth repeating, the absurdity and whimsicality of one-man issuing press releases on behalf of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide without adequate consultations with the Igbo leaders. We have explored all channels of peace to dissuade Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro from issuing press releases using the hallowed name of Ohanaeze Ndigbo to no avail.
“In retrospect, the General Assembly of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide elected Ambassador Prof. George Obiozor, CON, as the President General with Ambassador Okey Emuchay, MFR, as the Secretary-General and other members of the current National Executive Committee (NEC) at Dan Anyim stadium, Owerri, Imo State on January 10, 2021.
“Shortly after, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro announced himself as a Secretary General with Chief Chidi Ibeh and Barr. Uche Okwukwu as President General and Deputy President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, respectively.
“Therefore, any press release by Ohanaeze that does not bear the imprint of Ambassador Emuchay should be taken for what it is.
“Furthermore, it is inconceivable and indeed very worrisome that any sensible Igbo will so soon, make some uncharitable remarks against the iconic personality of His Excellency, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. Refreshing our memories, I remind ourselves that Obasanjo has shown an unwavering love and commitment to the Igbo in diverse ways, more than any former Nigerian President.
“It was Obasanjo who stood firmly with the Igbo when it mattered most in 2023. Early in the year, the following Nigerian statesmen; Chief Obasanjo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, CFR, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, GCON, and His Majesty Igwe Alfred Achebe, CFR (Agbogidi), the Obi of Onitsha, joined the South East Governors in a meeting at Enugu, for the well-being of the Igbo. It was Obasanjo who has eloquently condemned the obnoxious Igbophobia and malicious stereotypes against the Igbo in Nigeria.
Still, it was Obasanjo whose strident voice resonated against the “Igbo Must Leave Lagos” melodrama. It was Obasanjo who recruited the likes of Dr. Mrs Ngozi Okonjo-Iwuala, Prof. Dora Akunyili, Prof. Charles Soludo, Prof. Osita Ogbu, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, Arc. Ferdinand Agu, amongst others, into his result-oriented administration, etc.
“On behalf of the Igbo nation, I wish to apologize to Baba, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo for unfounded mischievous imaginations against him by the most unscrupulous among the pedestrians.”
