The Rivers State Igbos’ aspiration to produce the next President-General of Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo on January 10, 2025, has gained significant momentum following endorsements from key stakeholders emphasizing adherence to constitutional provisions.
It would be recalled that notable traditional rulers and members of Ime Obi Ohanaeze, including former Secretaries-General from Anambra, Enugu, Delta, and Ebonyi, have affirmed that Rivers State will rightfully claim its constitutional entitlement, adding that the assertion is based on Article 11 of Ohanaeze’s constitution, which mandates the rotation of the President-General position among the seven member states.
The call for Rivers State to produce the next President-General follows the demise of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyawu, the 11th President-General of Ohanaeze NdiIgbo, on July 25, 2024, at 81.
In a related development, the Ijaw National Congress (INC), reacted to a communique issued by Livingstone Wechie, which declared Rivers Ndi-Igbo’s readiness to produce the next President-General.
Reacting to this development, the INC, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Ezonebi Oyakemeagbegha, cautioned Ohanaeze NdiIgbo against meddling in Rivers State affairs.
The INC emphasized its commitment to Nigeria’s unity and stated it would not cede its territory to any ethnic group, including Ohanaeze NdiIgbo or Afenifere, in the event of a national breakup.
He explained that the claim by the Igbo apex group that the entire Rivers State is part and parcel of Igbo land, making the state one of the statutory member states of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, is false.
The INC spokesman noted that the Ijaw remain a majority ethnic group in Rivers State, with 10 local government areas.
However, reacting to the INC statement, the convener of Ọgbakọr Ndigbo na Rivers, Livingstone Wechie said “We believe the Ijaw National Congress when they say their intent is to foster peaceful coexistence, and we share the same commitment to harmony. However, we must respectfully clarify that our demand for the presidency of Ohanaeze Ndigbo is not a matter that concerns the Ijaw nation.
“Ndigbo have no interest in encroaching on territories belonging to other groups. We have been neighbours and friends to the ijaw for centuries. They know our lands and our people as well as we know their lands and their people. Anyone who seeks to blur these clear lines is either uninformed or engaged in mischief.
“We must always remember that Rivers State is a multicultural and multi-ethnic state, with various indigenous groups, distinct identities, and kindred ties. Our historical and biological connections run deep and are not barriers to peaceful co-existence, but rather propellants for the practice of mutual respect.
“Ultimately our efforts will ensure inclusivity and shared prosperity among all ethnic nationalities in Rivers State and beyond. We believe there is indeed a brighter future for all Nigerians when we practice restraint, mutual respect and tolerance.”
