The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has revealed the kind of relationship it shares with the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
IGBERE TV gathered that in a statement issued in Abakaliki on behalf of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, the National Publicity Secretary, Prince Uche Achi-Okpaga described the relationship between the national leadership of Ohanaeze and IPOB as that of father and son.
This is the first Press Statement coming from the organisation after Senate’s rejection of its prepared Restructuring contrary to IPOB’s demand for referendum.
The group declared that no amount of foul comments will pitch it against members of IPOB, noting that their relationship was cordial. It warned unscrupulous elements from making unguarded statements targeted at dragging the image of the group in the mud. It also denied any crack or division in its operations and constitution.
Ohaneze Ndigbo added that no amount of pressure or attack in any form could derail or deform the resolve of the group towards protecting the views, interests and aspirations of Igbo in Nigeria. It disowned the group led by one Chris Isiguzo who it alleged was parading and issuing statements on behalf of Ohaneze Youth.
The statement reads:
“It is pertinent to note that the leadership of the Ohaneze Youth Wing was suspended way back in 2016 by former NEC led by Chief Gary Enwo-Igariwey through the Imeobi of Ohaneze.
“Owing to some inconsequential and discordant actions of the leadership of the Youth Wing, the Imeobi suspended the wing in May, 2016 (more than eight months before the current NEC was elected on January 10, 2017) relying on Article 23(iv)(b) of the Ohaneze Constitution to wit:
“Imeobi shall have the powers to dissolve the leadership of any wing, scrap or modify any wing as it deems fit in the interest of the Ohaneze. “The suspension was not and has not been lifted. Instead, the suspension order was inherited alongside that of the Women Wing by the present NEC on assumption of office and has been looking at the problems of the two wings in order to arrive at a final and acceptable solution.
“On the above premise, it is imperative to note that Ohanaeze has no crack or division and
