‘We will resist any attempt to elongate tenures for personal gain in Ohaneze – Isiguzoro

Uchenna Okeh, Abakaliki

Ohaneze Ndigbo in a bid to restore peace and order, ahead of its 2025 election, has urged it’s President general, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, to immediately implement the recommendations made by the College of Bishops to address the ongoing crisis.

The leadership of the organization made this known in a statement signed by the secretary general, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro and forwarded to newsmen on Saturday.

The statement reads in part: “The pursuit of a unified Ohanaeze Ndigbo and the implementation of the College of Bishops to address the ongoing crisis stand as the linchpins for fostering enduring peace within the organization. It is pertinent to dispel misconceptions and confront challenges head-on with courage and sagacity.

The group however, called on the south east governors to come up with action to ensure that peace is maintained in Ohaneze: “The crisis within Ohanaeze has not escaped the attention of the Southeast Governors, who recognize the urgency of resolving internal discord for the greater good of Ndigbo.

“In a bid to restore tranquility, the College of Bishops, led by Archbishop Of Archdiocese of Umuahia, Methodist Church, His Grace , Most Rev Dr. Chibuzo Opoko, intervened, with Chief Iwuanyanwu receiving a comprehensive report on 31st May 2023 in Enugu State following the unfortunate passing of George Obiozor.

“It is essential to note that Iwuanyanwu’s ascension did not adhere to the constitutional requirements outlined in Section 11 of the Ohanaeze constitution, thereby hindering the convening of a unified Imeobi and General Assembly.

Ohaneze also urged it’s President general, Iwuanyanwu to take the boldness in transmitting power to Rivers State on January 11th, 2025, “As the tenure of the President General from Imo State draws to a close on January 10th, 2025, and the mantle is set to transition to Rivers State on January 11th, 2025, the specter of factionalism looms large.

“Efforts to engage Iwuanyanwu’s faction in reconciliation have been met with resistance, indicating a divergence of interests driven by unseen political forces. The machinations to circumvent the constitutional provisions for a seamless transfer of leadership signal a disregard for the sanctity of democratic principles and the unity of Ndigbo.

“Ohaneze Ndigbo calls for the immediate implementation of the recommendations proposed by the College of Igbo Bishops to avert a protracted crisis that could outlast the upcoming 2025 Ohanaeze election. Any attempts at elongating tenures or subverting the established protocols for personal gain will be vehemently resisted, with Igbo organizations poised to pursue legal remedies if necessary. The coordinated efforts to thwart the legitimate emergence of a President General from Rivers State in 2025 run counter to the ethos of unity and historical rectification.

“It is incumbent upon all stakeholders, including Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, to embrace a spirit of conciliation and cooperate towards a peaceful transition of leadership from Imo State to Rivers State. Any obstruction to this harmonious process represents a regressive act perpetuated by those concerned solely with individual agendas rather than the collective welfare of Ndigbo. The forthcoming election presents a unique opportunity to bridge the cultural and identity divide that has persisted in Rivers State since the aftermath of the Biafran Civil War, emphasizing the significance of unity and inclusivity.

“Ohaneze Ndigbo reiterates its commitment to upholding the principles of democracy, transparency, and unity, as embodied in the resolve to implement the College of Igbo Bishop reports to guide the organization towards a harmonious future. Let the spirit of peace reign supreme, and let us all rally behind the shared vision of a stronger, more cohesive Ohanaeze Ndigbo” the group stressed.