The Rivers State chapter of Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo, otherwise known as (Ogbakor Ndi Igbo Na Rivers) has demanded for the presidency of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
Ohaneze Ndigbo worldwide was in July thrown into mourning following the loss of its President-General, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyawu, creating a leadership vacuum.
However, the Rivers State chapter’s demand for the leadership of the group is seen as a “significant step in filling the gap and ensuring the continuity of the organisation.”
“The call for Rivers State to produce the next President-General follows the demise of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyawu, the 11th President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo. With members from seven states, including Igbo-speaking areas of Rivers and Delta, the group seeks unity and representation.”
The group reaffirmed Rivers State’s status as a statutory member state of Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo Worldwide, announcing that it was “its turn” to produce the next President-General of Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo Worldwide come January 10, 2025.
The group explained that the rotation aligns with Article 11 of the Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo Constitution, ensuring the office of the President-General is shared among seven member states.
The request was contained in a communique from a stakeholders meeting held on Monday 18th November 2024 in Port Harcourt, signed by Livingstone Wechie, Convener of Ogbakor Ndi-Igbo na Rivers) alias Rivers State Igbo Stakeholders.
It was held in conjunction with the National Coordinator of Anyi-Anyi, Barr Anthony Okolo where they stressed that Rivers State Igbos have consistently supported other states in producing the President-General and national officers.
“We strongly believe that a strict adherence to the Constitution will bring about a harmonious, peaceful and prosperous Ohanaeze now and in the future. We so appeal. May God help us all,” Wechie said.
As Wechie noted, Rivers State has previously held key positions within Ohaneze Ndigbo, including Deputy Secretary-General, National Financial Secretary, Secretary-General, and Deputy President-General.
The state’s experience and dedication to the organisation make it an ideal candidate to produce the next President-General.
“The appeal for a free, fair, and transparent election in January 2025 is crucial in ensuring the legitimacy of the next President-General.
“By adhering to the Constitution, Ohaneze Ndigbo can maintain its unity and strengthen its representation of Igbo interests.”
On its part, a pan-Igbo group, “Anyi Anyi” has proposed a symposium, where a wide range of issues pertaining to the choice of a new leadership of Ohaneze Ndigbo would be addressed.
The National Coordinator of Anyi Anyi, Barrister Anthony Okolo said, “This fact must not under any circumstance be compromised or undermined as doing so will eclipse the Igbo identity in Rivers state.
“I suggest a crucial symposium be organised to bring Rivers Igbo stakeholders together to place this right forward and advocate for its enforcement. This slot is for the collective good of Ndigbo worldwide.”
The statement further proposed that the symposium takes place on Saturday 7, December 2024, at a venue yet to be determined.
He advocated for wide sensitisation and consultation in the buildup to the symposium.
