A coalition of Igbo groups has cautioned against an alleged attempt to link some factional leaders of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo to the activities of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB and its security wing, the Eastern Security Network, ESN.
Read Also : Breaking News : Sen. Andy Uba Emerges Gubernatorial Flagbearer Of APC, As He Wins The Primary
One recall that Ohanaeze broke into two factions after its January election, with one led by Chief Engr Chidi Ibe and second group under the leadership Amb. George Obiozor
There have been failed attempts to reconcile the two groups.
Some Igbo groups are now claiming that having failed to reconcile them, there was now plan to use the Presidency and harass the Ibe-led group into submission.
The coalition made the claims in a statement issued to journalists, signed by Dr. (Mrs) Helen Ogbonnaya, the Spokesperson Coalition of Igbo Groups and National President, Southeastern Nigeria Women Professionals.
The groups- Southeastern Nigeria Women Professionals, World Igbo Youth Congress, and Igbo Students Union warned of the consequences of using security agents to harass Igbo leaders and the people oriented leaders.
They claimed that “using security agents to arrest the leadership of Chidi Ibe-led Ohanaeze Ndigbo, through the instrumentality of the presidency, by labeling them part of the unknown gunmen have been uncovered. The grand plan is to detain Obiozor’s rivals until further notice.”
They added in the statement that “it’s of public knowledge that Obiozor’s emergence as factional President-General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo contravened the laid procedures for Ohanaeze elections, as stipulated in articles 14 and 21. This is what gave birth to a parallel leadership widely accepted by Igbos.
Read Also : Breaking News : Niger Delta Avengers Return, Vow To Crush Nigeria’s Economy
“Having failed to follow procedure and due process, Obiozor rallied help from the presidency to persuade a few governors and serving ministers to support the illegality of harassing and arresting Igbo Leaders. The group warned the such illegality should stop with immediate effect
“Igbos rejection of Professor Obiozor was a clear rejection of the imposition by external detractors.”
“The group further said, “we are aware of the petitions laced with falsehoods to implicate Chief Chidi Ibe, Uche Okwukwu and Okechukwu Isiguzoro as members of IPOB and ESN”. This is laughable, as these are well respected Igbo leaders representing the genuine interests of Ndigbo in fairness and equity, as such, all forms of blackmail against them will fail. The group warn the perpetrators of the evil plot to desist from it.
For 2023 presidency: We’ll negotiate with other regions – Ohanaeze.
“The college of Southeast Bishops have waded into the crisis in Ohanaeze Ndigbo and attempts to arrest Igbo Leaders particularly Chief Engr Chidi Ibe led Executive and others by Obiozor and cohorts through the presidency, this illegality will bring more disasters and uprisings in Igbo land. The Igbo group warned.
Read Also : Breaking News: APC Extends Buni’s Tenure as National Caretaker Chairman Indefinitely .
“We are aware of the lawsuits in Umuahia, Owerri, and Abuja, the court should be allowed to do their job. Security agents should not be used for vendetta or intimidation against people oriented Igbo leadership,” they further stated.
