₦airaland Forum

Ikwerre People’s Congress (IPC) has congratulated Sen. John Azuta-Mbata and Mr Livingstone Wechie on their emergence as President-General, Ohaneze Ndi Igbo worldwide and President, Ohaneze Ndi Igbo Rivers Chapter.

This is contained in a statement co-signed by Stanley Worgu, Secretary-General IPC and Sunny-Wenike Ibokejere, Director, IPC Diaspora, in Abuja on Monday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Azuta-Mbata was elected the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo Worldwide in Enugu on Jan. 10.

“It is a thing of pride that Mbata, a proud Igbo son of Ikwerre extraction, who once served as an acting President, Nigerian Senate, is given the rare opportunity to lead more than 80million Ndi Igbo globally.

“We urge our hinterland Igbo patriots to join their riverine Igbo patriots and compatriots in Rivers State to make this historic opportunity and reign huge success,” they said.

They assured Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo of Ikwerre people’s confidence and loyalty to the leadership of Azuta-Mbata and Wechie.

Describing the opportunity as unprecedented, they said it was a golden opportunity for lifetime unity and progress.

“We wish to thank His Excellency, Gov. Siminalayi Fubara for his support in ensuring the successful emergence of Mbata as the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo Worldwide.

“We urge all Ikwerres to be conscious of the threats against our development by divisive forces and seize this opportunity to pursue the future of our dreams.

“This is because as the largest Igbo group arguably so, Ikwerre leading Ndi Igbo Worldwide is both historic and significant,” they said. (NAN)

udemzyudex:
Bro use your brain, he was not talking about onitsha.
Stop acting like you're a fool unless you're one.

udemzyudex:
Bro relax, onitsha is not the only place in Anambra, he is talking about Anambra generally not onitsha.

All this oversabi people sef.

unbiasedTruth:
He should be released if the boy is over 15 years old

By that age your brain should be developed enough to not be fascinated by mere fireworks.

Knockout/banger is one of the most foolish things I've ever seen.

As the January 10, 2025 election for the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide approaches, the people of the Egbema ethnic nationality in Rivers and Imo states have thrown their weight behind Dr. Mike Okiro, a former Inspector General of Police.

The endorsement was made at a media conference held at Okwuzi community, Egbema, in Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State.

The socio-cultural group under the aegis of Ogbako Egbema Alinso said Okiro is fit to succeed Nze Ozichukwu Chukwu as the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.

Chukwu was appointed to complete the tenure of Imo State after the death of Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, with the apex Igbo Socio-Cultural Organisation disclosing the zoning of the office of the President General to Rivers State.



The National President General of Ogbakor Egbema Alinso, Ifi Francis Igwebuike, declared that Dr Okiro is eminently qualified for the position and should be supported by all lovers of the Egbema ethnic nationality.

The debate surrounding Okiro’s eligibility stems from his roots in both the Imo and Rivers states.


He said, “The insinuation that he’s not from Rivers State is what is doubtful in the minds of people, but today, let it be clear to all and sundry that Sir Mike Mbama Okiro is an Egbema man from Rivers State.

“This is a socio-cultural organisation. Because of the political divide, we’ve come together to say Egbema is one, and we are not bending to any political delineation.



“So, if he aspires to vie for any position in the country, Egbema has asked him today to go ahead. He is qualified for it; he is a Rivers man. Let him go ahead and vie for it as a Rivers man.

“Let the people who are making such insinuations (that he is not a Rivers man), let the people who want to derogate him, please take another line. When a man is qualified to get something, give it to him; don’t look at where he’s from. We assure the country that Sir Mike Okiro is a born Egbema man from Rivers State.”


Earlier in his remarks, the Nzeobi of Egbema, Rivers State, HRM Eze Everistus Amuda, echoed Ifi’s stance, saying, “Dr. Mike Okiro is my palace member; he hails from Nzeobi. He never aspired for any position before he was enrolled in Nzeobi of Egbema, and all the enrollment is his first involvement in Egbema.

“He hails from Ogba/Egbema Local Government. He is qualified to contest the position.”


The election for the next President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo is billed to be held on January 10-11, 2025.

Subsequently, the group also called for an end to what it described as incessant extrajudicial killings along the boundary between Egbema, Imo State, and Egbema, Rivers State.


Expressing displeasure with the situation, the President General of the body said, “The very incessant extrajudicial killings toward the boundary between Egbema, Imo, and Egbema, Rivers (TCC).

Who are the persons killing these people along Egbema? Just before the TCC or after the TCC, recently a woman, a pregnant young lady, was shot to death.


“With the expertise and the position of our national leader, Ogbako Egbema has condemned such extrajudicial killings in its entirety, and we don’t want it to continue unless they don’t want the existence of the Egbema people here.

“Whosoever is involved in such extrajudicial killings should stop, before they’ll kill all of us. The killing has become too much. The Egbema people are tired of the extrajudicial killings along that place.”

Chancellor of the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership and former minister of Aviation, Chief Osita Chidoka, has disclosed that the South East has lost an estimated N17.4 trillion over the past 29 years due to the absence of a sixth state, which would have contributed significantly to federal allocations and local government revenue.

This staggering figure, adjusted for inflation and devaluation, highlights the region‘s ongoing economic and political marginalisation, with profound implications for representation, federal receipts, and governance.

A statement by his special assistant on media, Ikechukwu Okafor, said he said this during his address at the Otu Oka-Iwu (Association of Igbo Lawyers) event on December 13, 2024.

He emphasised that the Southeast has suffered significant financial losses, amounting to 17.4 trillion Naira, due to the lack of a sixth state, which would have brought in additional federal allocations and expanded local government revenue.

“The absence of a sixth state in the Southeast is not just a political oversight but a direct financial loss for our region. Over the past 29 years, the Southeast has lost over 17 trillion Naira, which could have fueled economic development, improved infrastructure, and enhanced our political representation in the National Assembly,” Chidoka stated. “This loss is unsustainable, and it is time for us to come together and take the necessary steps to stop these ongoing losses.”

Chidoka, former Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Commission, called on Southeast leaders to unite and follow the constitutional process for state creation.

He reminded the region that the process, as stipulated in Section 8(1) of the 1999 Constitution, involves the following steps: (1) A formal request for the creation of a new state, supported by at least a two-thirds majority of the Senate, House of Representatives, State House of Assembly, and local government councils in the affected area.

“(2) Approval through a referendum, where at least two-thirds of the people in the affected area must support the creation of the new state.

“(3) Approval by a simple majority of all states and their respective Houses of Assembly; and (4) Final approval by a two-thirds majority of both chambers of the National Assembly.”

“Now is the time for the Southeast to formally request the creation of the sixth state, following the prescribed constitutional process. This is the only way to stop the representation and federal allocation losses,” Chidoka added.

He urged Southeast leaders to play national politics, putting aside internal divisions, and work together to secure the region‘s future. „We must stop crying about the absence of the sixth state and instead focus on what is required to make it a reality. The Southeast must place the burden on the Nigerian state to officially recognise our need for equitable representation, resources, and political power,“ he concluded.

The event also featured Senator Ned Nwoko, who passionately advocated for creating Anioma State as the sixth Igbo state, expanding Igboland, and contributing 9,000 square kilometres to the Southeast. Senator Nwoko emphasised the need for the Southeast to strengthen its territorial and political influence by creating a new state fostering greater unity and development.

Chief Emeka Obegolu, SAN, also spoke at the event, highlighting the political will required to secure the creation of the sixth state for the Southeast. He called for concerted efforts and commitment from the region‘s political leadership to ensure that the demand for the new state is taken seriously and given the momentum needed for successful implementation.


Chief Osita Chidoka‘s call for action on creating the sixth state is a change in narrative and request for action on the Southeast leadership. Leaders in the region must now take the necessary steps to ensure the creation of the sixth state, reversing decades of underrepresentation and underdevelopment.

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