Ohanaeze Ndigbo has declared that, in the spirit of fairness and equity, Rivers State should take the lead in electing the next President General of the organization.
In a statement released by Secretary-General Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the group emphasized that it is the constitutional right of Rivers State to nominate the next president-general during the upcoming convention scheduled for January 2025.
The statement read: “It is crucial to acknowledge that, as clearly outlined in our governing documents, the constitutional entitlement of Rivers State to fill the Office of the President General by January 10-11, 2025, is both a responsibility and an honor that must be respected and upheld with integrity.”
The organization further asserted that the selection of the President General from Rivers State, through appropriate constitutional channels, is not just a procedural formality but vital for fostering unity within the Igbo community.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo expressed concern over the alleged collusion of two Southeast Governors and a former military leader who has held both the Head of State and Presidential roles from the Southwest, along with a previous 2023 presidential candidate from an opposition party and a prominent member of the Pan Niger Delta organization, among others.
“These individuals appear to be orchestrating efforts to negate Rivers State’s constitutional rights and claim the presidency of Ohanaeze Ndigbo for someone from Abia State instead,” the statement noted.
The organization highlighted its belief that these Southeast Governors and the 2023 presidential candidate are involved in questionable schemes motivated by political interests and calculations related to the upcoming 2027 elections.
“We will uphold the constitutional rights of Rivers State to elect the next President General, actively resisting any external attempts to impose a candidate from Abia State that contravenes our established constitutional norms,” they asserted.
Additionally, Ohanaeze Ndigbo revealed concerns about the alleged efforts of the two Southeast Governors to support obscure groups using Ikwerre ethnic names, which they claim aim to undermine the Igbo identity of Rivers State and hinder its rightful claim to the presidency.
The organization assured that they would overcome these challenges, calling on all Igbo interest groups, organizations, and individuals to unite and remain committed to preserving Igbo solidarity.
