Crisis Rocks Ohanaeze Ndigbo As Rivers State Born Omenazu Emerges New President General Amid Controversy 

From Omaka OKOH, ABAKALIKI 

THE crisis rocking Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the Apex Igbo sociocultural organisation, seems to be gathering momentum as a Rivers State- born Dr. Jackson Omenazu has emerged new President General of the association.

According to the statement, Dr Omenazu from Rivers State was elected as President General,

Other elected NEC officers in his team include Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro from Abia State as Deputy President General, Abbas Chinedu, Secretary General; Chief Chinenyeze Thompson Ohia, National PRO/Spokesman; Ambassador Kingsley C. Ekwenye, National Vice President General (Anambra); Dr. Alexander Chikalue Okemiri, National Vice President General (Ebonyi); Sylvester Nwogu, National Vice President General (Imo); and Prof. Iheanacho Agboti, National Legal Adviser.

The new leadership emerged from the Richard Ozobu-led Ohanaeze Ndigbo 2025 Election Committee. 

In a statement signed by Ozobu and the Committee Secretary, Prof. Chibuikeya Achokawa, it was revealed that the new leadership emerged unopposed.

Meanwhile, another election committee, led by Chief Ejiofor Onyia, is slated to conduct an election on January 10, 2025.

Dependable sources told THE BEAGLE NEWS that Onyia committee is the main committee that has been mandated to conduct a credible election to usher in a new leadership of the apex organisation with the backing of all the South East Governors.

 This is an indication that the crisis may fester for a while as association engages in succession tussle, which has always been the bone of contention over the decades.

In his acceptance speech Omenazu vowed to resist attempts by desperate politicians to hijack the Igbo body, noting that his emergence was in accordance with the 2004 Ohanaeze Constitution, which stressed that “it is the rightful turn of indigenous Igbo of Rivers State to occupy the position of Ohanaeze President General.”

He added, “This is a historical event as all injustices meted against the indigenous Igbo of Rivers State have been reversed. We have recovered our Igbo National identity, as a bona fide indigene of Igbo of Rivers State has emerged as the newly elected President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo since the end of the Biafra war 55 years ago.”

“Igbos in Rivers State are fully blooded Igbo; this is the end of identity crisis and the politics of convenience regarding our Igbo identity.

“Today marks a pivotal moment in the history of our great organization and the Igbo people as a whole. It is a day of profound significance, not just for myself as your newly elected President General, but also for the countless voices that have long been subdued and marginalized.

“I stand before you not merely as a leader but as a custodian of our shared heritage, a torchbearer for our collective aspirations, and a champion for our indomitable spirit.

“The cornerstone of this historic election is the affirmation of our rightful place within the narrative of the Igbo people. The selection of an indigenous Igbo from Rivers State as President General is not merely a token representation.

“It is a bold declaration that we have reclaimed our identity and rectified the historical injustices that have plagued us for generations. It is an emphatic statement that we are not defined by the politics of convenience but by our rich legacy and unwavering commitment to our roots.

“As we navigate the complexities of the present, we must resolutely reject the attempts by desperate politicians to harness Ohanaeze for their narrow personal ambitions.”

“The era of using our revered organisation as a pawn in the political chess game is over. Ohanaeze Ndigbo is reaffirmed as the apex socio-cultural organization representing the entirety of the Igbo people. Our focus shall pivot decisively toward issues that directly benefit our communities and enhance our collective progress.

“Let me make it abundantly clear: while we welcome collaboration with our governors as Imeobi members, we will not become subservient to their interests. Ohanaeze shall be funded by Igbo sons and daughters around the world, ensuring that we remain resolute in our mission to defend and promote the interests of the Igbo populace against the deceptions of political elites.

“Our immediate agenda, as the newly elected executive council, features a multi-faceted approach aimed at addressing the critical issues plaguing the Southeast. Chief among these is the urgent need to tackle insecurity—this will require concerted efforts alongside our friends and allies. We firmly stand for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, whose plight has become emblematic of our quest for justice and self-determination.

“We urge the government to recognize the importance of incorporating ethnicity and religion in the forthcoming 2025 census. Such representations are essential to rectifying historical misrepresentations and ensuring that our voices are heard in the administrative frameworks that govern our lives.

“Moreover, we demand the demilitarization of the Southeast and the dismantling of unnecessary checkpoints that stifle movement and engender fear. Our homeland must be a sanctuary of peace, where the sanctity of life is upheld and the dignity of our people respected.

“We assertively declare that the restructuring of Nigeria is vital for unlocking the latent potentials of our diverse geopolitical regions. In line with this, we call for the revision of the 1999 Constitution to aptly reflect the aspirations and identities of all Nigerian ethnic groups.

“In pursuit of progress, we will vigorously advocate for the creation of additional new states within Igboland. This initiative is not merely about administrative boundaries; it represents a deeper quest for representation, acknowledgement, and empowerment for our people.

“Let it be known that we are committed to establishing the AKU RUO ULO INDUSTRIAL BUSINESS HUB, a pivotal initiative aimed at fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and investment in Igbo land. This clarion call for the ‘Think Home Philosophy’ speaks to our dedication to nurturing our local economy, stimulating growth, and ensuring that our people thrive in a sustainable environment.

“Furthermore, I extend a message to President Tinubu: Engage with us to open the Eastern Economic corridors. It is imperative that we prioritize the dredging of Calabar Seaport, the development of the Azumiri Deep Blue Sea Port, and the comprehensive reconstruction of the Aba-Maiduguri railway lines. We must also include interstate railway infrastructure linking critical sub-stations from Abakaliki to Owerri, Awka, and Onitsha.

“I accept the monumental challenge before us to reposition Igboland to meet the expectations of millions of Igbos worldwide. This administration embraces collaboration with all stakeholders, including former contestants, reflecting a commitment to a unified vision for the restoration of confidence in Ohanaeze Ndigbo—an organization grounded in the history, aspirations, and resilience of our people.

“Together, let us forge a path of progress, embrace our identity boldly, and embark on this journey toward a brighter future for the Igbo nation, unmarred by past grievances but inspired by the promise of unity, strength, and unprecedented achievement.”