Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo: Rivers Chapter Makes Case For President-General 

The Rivers State chapter of the Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo, otherwise known as Ogbakor Ndi Igbo Na Rivers, has reaffirmed the state’s status as a statutory member state of Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo Worldwide, announcing that it is 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.

A communiqué from a stakeholders’ meeting held on Monday, November 18, 2024 in Port Harcourt, signed by Livingstone Wechie, Convener of Ogbakor Ndi-Igbo na Rivers alias Rivers State Igbo Stakeholders, in conjunction with the National Coordinator of Anyi-Anyi, Mr Anthony Okolo, 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.

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.

Ohaneze Ndigbo worldwide was thrown into mourning following the loss of its president-general, creating a leadership vacuum. Rivers State’s demand for leadership is seen as a significant step in filling this gap and ensuring the continuity of the organization.

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, Mr 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,” he said.

The statement further proposed that the symposium takes place on Saturday, December 7, 2024 at a venue yet to be determined.

He advocated for wide sensitisation and consultation in the buildup to the symposium. 

“The event of this magnitude requires wide consultative visits to critical stakeholders in Rivers State and some town-hall meetings in strategic communities, while nothing will be left to chance in the area of security.

“Security agencies, particularly the Rivers State Command of the Nigeria Police, are to be invited to ensure the maintenance of law and order.

“The programme will produce a communiqué to assert the right of Rivers Igbo to produce the next president-general of Ohaneze Ndigbo worldwide,” Okolo said.

He also suggested that the event be given adequate publicity through massive media coverage (online, electronics and print).