₦airaland Forum

Armaggedon:
I knew Amaechi has an eye on the Ohaneze job when he attended it's meeting months ago in Enugu. We have now seen over three different groups from Rivers state and Ikwerre in particular jostling for Ohaneze presidency. What happened to the fake Benin origin and rumu claims?

The Ikwerre Youths Progressive Initiative (IYPI), a socio-cultural group, has urged former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, to vie for the position of President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

In a statement delivered by the group's National Leader, Barrister Cosmas Ozinyowe, the IYPI extolled Amaechi’s leadership qualities, describing him as a transformative figure whose candidacy could redefine the Igbo identity and foster unity among over 70 million Igbos worldwide.

Ozinyowe emphasized Amaechi’s suitability for the role, citing his track record in governance and political strategy.

"The position of President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo offers you a unique opportunity to lead with vision, redefine the Igbo identity in Nigeria’s political landscape, and pave the way for a united and prosperous Nigeria," said Ozinyowe. He highlighted Amaechi's ability to bridge internal divides and amplify Igbo voices on the national stage, adding that his extensive experience as a two-term governor and minister makes him a perfect fit for the role. Ozinyowe pointed out that Amaechi’s tenure as President-General would allow him to leverage his relationships across the South-South, North, and West regions. "Your relationships with other regional blocs will foster national unity through cultural exchanges, regional economic partnerships, and political dialogue," he noted. The IYPI also praised Amaechi’s legacy in governance and politics, recalling his pivotal role in leading the APC to an unprecedented victory in 2015. "As a political strategist, you have united diverse interests and delivered results against the odds. This is the caliber of leadership Ohanaeze needs," Ozinyowe said.

The group believes Amaechi’s leadership could heal historical wounds, promote inclusive governance, and position Ohanaeze as a significant force in Nigeria’s socio-political landscape.

Rivers State To Produce Next President general- Ohaneze Ndigbo Affirms

ENUGU – The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has reaffirmed that Rivers State will produce the next President General in line with its constitutional provision for rotating the office among member states.



To actualize this, the National Executive Committee (NEC) of Ohanaeze has mandated the Secretary General to convene a meeting of Ime Obi, the group’s highest decision-making body, to establish an electoral committee for conducting the election next month.

This resolution dispels speculation and tension in some quarters suggesting that the Ohanaeze leadership intended to disrupt the constitutional zoning arrangement.

Rising from a meeting in Enugu on Wednesday, Ohanaeze emphasized its commitment to the zoning principle. Preparations for the January 2025 election are set to commence immediately.

In a statement by the National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Chiedozie Alex Ogbonnia, the NEC declared:

“The NEC reaffirmed the commitment to the provisions of the Ohanaeze constitution; to the effect that it is the turn of Rivers State to produce the next President General for Ohanaeze Ndigbo come January 2025.

It was therefore resolved that the Secretary General, Ambassador Emuchay, in consultation with South East Governors, Igbo Senators, traditional rulers, town unions, the clergy, stakeholders, and Ohanaeze structures, should convene a meeting of Ime Obi Ohanaeze as soon as possible to set up an electoral umpire for the purpose of the 2025 Ohanaeze election.”

The NEC expressed gratitude to the Igbo community for their unwavering support and appealed for understanding, assuring all that the January 2025 election would be a success.


Additionally, the meeting commended the National Burial Committee, led by Senator Ben Obi, for successfully organizing the funeral of the late President General, Chief Iwuanyanwu. The NEC also thanked the South East Governors Forum, Igbo leaders, and friends of the Igbo for their cooperation and support during the burial ceremonies.

The senator representing Delta Central, Ede Dafinone, has justified the renewed agitation for creating Anioma State from the present Delta State saying, “It is a call for equity and progress”.

Dafinone, while speaking with journalists in Ughelli on Monday, said he aligned with the agitation as “it is a pursuit deeply rooted in the principles of fairness and regional development.”

He added, “The creation of Anioma State from this current state would bring about a true Delta State with state capital in Delta Central thereby boosting regional development. For the Urhobo nation, the largest ethnic group in Delta State with over 10 million people and a strong presence across eight Local Government Areas in Delta Central and parts of Delta South and Bayelsa State, this discussion is equally significant to them

“The renewed agitation for the creation of Anioma State from the current Delta State has sparked a meaningful dialogue about equity, progress and the future structure of our federation. As a proud son of Delta Central, I have observed these developments with keen interest and believe this presents an opportunity to reflect on the vision for a true Delta State.


“I wholeheartedly support the aspiration of our Anioma brothers and sisters for state creation, a pursuit deeply rooted in the principles of fairness and regional development. “For the Urhobo nation, the largest ethnic group in Delta State, with over 10 million people and a strong presence across eight Local Government Areas in Delta Central and parts of Delta South and Bayelsa State, this discussion is equally significant.

“While the Urhobo nation, with its abundant human and material resources, stands firmly qualified for its state, we remain supportive of the Anioma cause. This solidarity underscores the unity and mutual respect that have characterized our coexistence with other ethnic groups in Delta State since its creation on August 27, 1991.”

Dafinone added, “The industrious and egalitarian spirit of the Urhobo people has fostered harmony and cooperation within the multi-ethnic fabric of Delta State. This shared history strengthens our collective desire for structures that ensure equitable development and representation.

“By advocating for a “true Delta State” with its capital situated in Delta Central, we embrace a vision that honours our rich heritage while advancing the cause of inclusivity and progress for all ethnic groups in the region.

“I align myself with the renewed call for the creation of Anioma State and the broader idea of reimagining Delta State for the benefit of all its constituents. This is not merely about geography or demographics; it is a commitment to equity, sustainable development, and a future where every ethnic group has the opportunity to thrive. Together, we can support these aspirations while fostering unity and a shared sense of purpose.”

LegendHero:
So why are the headquarters there? Is there a law that says “all headquarters must be from Lagos”?

Kh36:
Ekpa disowned. His own is finished.

IPOB PRESS RELEASE
22/11/2024

SIMON EKPA IS NOT AN IPOB MEMBER AND MUST NOT BE ASSOCIATED WITH IPOB

The attention of the global family and movement of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has been drawn to the purported arrest and claim of being an IPOB member by the infamous Prime Minister of Biafra Government in Exile (BRGIE) named Simon Ekpa. For public records, Simon Ekpa has never been a member of IPOB led by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, who is currently being detained illegally in the DSS solitary confinement by the Nigerian Government since almost four years.

Contrary to the disinformation from the BBC News report that Simon Ekpa is an IPOB leader. Simon Ekpa is not an IPOB member, let alone be a leader in IPOB. IPOB has some family units in Finland, and Simon Ekpa is not a registered member of any IPOB unit in Finland or any unit globally. Mazi Nnamdi Okwu Kanu established IPOB as a peaceful movement to seek Biafra Independence via a supervised UN referendum.

IPOB is a peaceful global movement that has never taken to violence or arms struggle in two decades of our self-determination struggle. Even though the various murderous government regimes in Nigeria have provoked us. We have remained resolute and peaceful.

On the other hand, Simon Ekpa was seen by some innocent Biafrans as someone sympathetic to the Biafra course. Until they discovered that he was a destructive agent paid to infiltrate and destroy the IPOB peaceful movement for Biafra self-determination. He recruited violent criminals to destabilize the South East Region in 2021. He is a self acclaimed prime minister of a small group called Biafra Government in Exile (BGIE).

The infamous BGIE led by Simon Ekpa created a violent group that call themselves the Biafra Liberation Army. They have perpetuated various violent acts against the civilians in the Eastern Region in the name of Biafra agitation. IPOB family worldwide refused to accept that system to achieve Biafra freedom and sovereignty. His group and the Nigerian Army are responsible for many kidnappings, rapes, forceful disappearances, killings, and burning of homes in the South Eastern region. Undoubtedly, Simon Ekpa has claimed responsibility for the violent actions of his criminal gang.

The Simon Ekpa led group has no alliance or relationship with IPOB and Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. He recruited his criminals who have been terrorizing the Biafran territory since 2021 after the kidnapp, extraordinary rendition, and illegal detaintion of the IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from Kenya to Nigeria.

The Nigerian government and politicians whom Biafrans believe contracted Simon Ekpa has been tagging his group's violent and terrorist activities on IPOB just to blackmail and demonize the genuine and peaceful Biafra self-determination struggle led by the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.

IPOB is by this press release calling on BBC News and Finnish Authorities to note that Simon Ekpa has no relationship with IPOB in Finland or any other unit globally. He should not be associated with IPOB because IPOB does not support violent agitation that he represents.

IPOB led by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is a peaceful movement that has adopted civil disobedience to press our demand for Biafra's self-determination and referendum. Unlike Simon Ekpa, who recruits and funds criminals who carry out killings of civilians and government agents, destroyed many homes in Biafra territory. Therefore, no person or institution should link Simon Ekpa and his group to IPOB. We do not have any relationship whatsoever.

Simon Ekpa has been shielded from arrest and terrorism charges against innocent Biafran civilians by the Nigerian and the Finnish governments' diplomatic maneuvering. However, for every crime, there is a day of reckoning. On the purported arrest of Simon Ekpa, all IPOB members, Biafrans and lovers of Biafra freedom should remain calm and focus on the ball which is the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from the illegal detention and the Biafra restoration project.

IPOB does not do violent agitation or violence against civilians. IPOB does not do violent agitation or violence against the Nigerian Security Forces or the sponsored infiltrator criminals represented by Simon Ekpa.

COMRADE EMMA POWERFUL, MEDIA, AND PUBLICITY SECRETARY FOR IPOB

Richtaiwo:
Okay Shinedu.

How Donald Trump's New Chief Of Staff, Susie Wiles Worked For IPOB Movement In 2019 Through Her Lobbying Firm

Susie Wiles, the newly announced Chief of Staff to United States' President-elect, Donald Trump, was co-chair of a lobbying firm hired by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in 2019 and the two parties extensively worked together, records have shown.

Days ago, Trump who defeated Vice-President, Kamala Harris in the tight presidential contest, had selected his campaign manager, Susie Wiles, to serve as his chief of staff.

Wiles will be the first woman to serve as chief of staff.

“Susie Wiles just helped me achieve one of the greatest political victories in American history, and was an integral part of both my 2016 and 2020 successful campaigns,” Trump said in the statement announcing his selection.

“Susie is tough, smart, innovative, and is universally admired and respected. Susie will continue to work tirelessly to Make America Great Again," he added.

The profile of Wiles revealed that until earlier this year, she was a lobbyist for tobacco company Swisher International, for which she worked to influence Congress on “FDA regulations,” according to disclosures filed with the Senate.

She is co-chair of Mercury Public Affairs since February 2022, and she was a lobbyist for Ballard Partners, the firm founded by Trump ally and campaign bundler, Brian Ballard.

There she worked as a lobbyist for coal company, Alliance Resource Partners, insurance company, Bankers Financial Corporation, General Motors, marketing company Zeta Global, transportation company Origin Logistics, and more companies.

A further probe into her records revealed that IPOB hired the Wiles' firm to lobby the Congress and the State Department on the “promotion of human rights and democracy” in Nigeria.

According to a report by Foreignlobby.com in 2021, IPOB has a lobbying contract with Mercury Public Affairs.

The engagement, which started in October 2019, is for $85,000 per month but the firm only disclosed $254,000 in payments with the US Department of Justice for all of last year.

According to media reports, the emergence of Donald Trump as the winner of the US presidential election intensified hope of an independent nation known as Biafra.

As Trump’s victory was sealed, messages started to circulate in a WhatsApp group created for the Biafra agitation: President Donald Trump’s victory is an inspiration to Biafrans all over the world.

Trump defeated Vice President Kamala Harris in the 6 November election to emerge as the 47th president of the United States.

While his win has been viewed with a level of misgiving by his critics in Africa, there was jubilation in the Biafran agitation community.

As world leaders sent out their congratulatory messages to Trump, self-proclaimed Biafra prime minister Simon Ekpa quickly joined the fray.

“As a reemerging nation, the United States of Biafra looks forward to the USA’s commitment to the principles of self determination and the freedom of people to choose their own form of government,” Ekpa, who lives in Finland, said on social media.

Another separatist said on social media: “Biafrans is [sic] set for exit. We have suffered in the hands of Nigeria terrorist government. Freedom is now.”

The Republic of Biafra, in Nigeria’s eastern region, is dominated by the Igbo ethnic group.

In 2020, the group claimed that the leadership of the US Republican Party in Iowa invited Kanu as a special guest at a Trump campaign rally.

Four years earlier, Kanu had written to Trump, then president-elect, and urged him to support Biafra’s push for independence in the same way that he had amplified the message of Brexiters in the United Kingdom.

oyichi:
The writer is being mischievous, he removed the part where the rtd general rejected the move to lump anioma with the south east, I was there

Vice President Kashim Shettima has commissioned $115 million worth of operational terminal equipment at the Onne Seaport in Rivers State.

The upgrade was spearheaded by the West Africa Container Terminal (WACT), a key terminal at the port and a subsidiary of APM Terminals.

The inauguration took place on Wednesday at the Onne Port, where the Vice President was represented by his Personal Assistant on Subnational Infrastructure, Mr. Musaddiq Mustapha.

Shettima reaffirmed the federal government’s dedication to infrastructure development as a driver of economic growth.

He highlighted that the new facility, equipped with state-of-the-art terminal machinery, advanced technology, an administrative building, a maintenance workshop, and an upgraded CCTV surveillance system, is set to enhance the terminal’s operations.

He said, “Today’s event is not just a celebration and commitment by WACT and its partners, it also marks the beginning of a new chapter at Onne Port.”

“This equipment will provide expanded opportunities for trade development within the Nigerian maritime sector.”

“The achievement also demonstrates dedication and commitment of the company and other stakeholders who have contributed resources and expertise to actualising this vision,”

Mr. Frederik Klinke, Managing Director of APM Terminals, praised the federal government for creating an enabling environment that has facilitated ease of doing business in Nigeria.

Klinke highlighted that over nearly three decades of terminal operations, the company has maintained a strong safety record.

He also noted that APM Terminals has launched various manpower development programs that have positively impacted its host communities as part of its corporate social responsibility efforts.

Promotion of ease of business and revenue generation

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola, praised APM Terminals for its significant investment in the West Africa Container Terminal (WACT).

He assured that the ministry would continue to back terminal operators in modernizing the port and reducing the cost of doing business at the nation’s key entry points.

Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, also noted that the WACT upgrade would enhance the Nigeria Customs Service’s (NCS) revenue generation efforts.

Ebubu:
Some of their leaders prefer grouping Anioma as SS state.

It can't fly. Because SS has 6 states already while SE has 5 states only. Do they want to have 7 SS states whereas SW with two Presidents have only 6 states. Do they want to have 7 states like North West the owners of Nigeria? Inequality is trying to be solved by giving SE 6 states and you're trying to create more inequality. If that's the only way to go about it they will jeopardise the Anioma state dream and it becomes an unrealistic dream once again, filled with dust and kept in the shelf by the Presidency.

Declaring Anioma can come to the SE but will never be part of IPOB or Biafra or pro-secession would be better. About not having historic ties with SE, that does not matter. There are legitimate Igala communities in Anambra and Enugu states.

Ikaeniyan0:
Ikoro Agbor, Agbor Youths group said “Agbor Kingdom has no shared history, governing commonality, or association with the Igbo, before or after British Colonialism & Agbor Kingdom remain United in the quest for Anioma State”

Owa Progressives in Owa Kingdom also believed “wholeheartedly supported the creation of Anioma State as part of the South-South region to address misrepresentation of its people. This will also help boost economic activities within the region. However we reject the annexation of the ANIOMA region to the South East Region”

https://www.nigerdeltatoday.com/dein-of-agbor-warns-against-grouping-anioma-as-south-east-state/

jimetagambo:
Anioma in SS region..

Armaggedon:
Good. Thanks for bringing the true picture. What of Okowa?