There is controversy over the choice of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu as the new President General of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo as one of the affiliate groups, Njiko Igbo Forum, has declared that it would not recognise him.

This was even as a veteran journalist and public affairs analyst, Mr. Sam Ekpe, has congratulated Iwuanyanwu on his emergence as the helmsman of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation in replacement for Amb. George Obiozor, who died last December after a brief illness.

In a statement yesterday, Ekpe noted that it was particularly praiseworthy that Iwuanyanwu at 80 years of age accepted to still give his time and attention to matters that affect Ndigbo.

He recalled the past efforts of the nationalist to ensure that activities of Ndigbo were always on high pedestal in the country, citing Iwuanyanwu Nationale in the sports sector, Oriental Airlines in the aviation sector and Champion newspapers in the media industry as worthy examples.

Ekpe, who had served as an editor in the defunct Daily Star newspaper in Enugu and as Special Assistant in the Presidency in the Second Republic, called on those he described as “the few voices of disgruntled elements in Ohanaeze who have constituted themselves into opposition to Ndigbo progress” to sheathe their swords and support “this big iroko tree, a front runner in progress and development of Ndigbo, to preside over Ohaneze affairs at this period of deep reflections on the political future of Nigeria.”

Iwuanyanwu would serve in the position for the two years of Imo State tenure. Ohaneze elders of Imo State extraction led by Eze Ilomuanya had last Wednesday presented Iwuanyanwu to Governor Hope Uzodinma as their consensus choice for the vacant position of President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

However, Njiko Igbo Forum in a statement made available to The Guardian in Enugu yesterday said it would not accept the choice of Iwuanyanwu as replacement for the late Obiozor.

The statement signed by the President of the socio-political group, Rev. Okechukwu Obioha, stated that Imo State elders should have chosen Dr. Joe Nworgu, who contested the presidency of Ohanaeze Ndigbo with Obiozor two years ago.

Besides, the group stated that Nworgu, a former secretary general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo from Imo State, distinguished himself while in office.

“Njiko Igbo Forum, a socio-political and strong, visible affiliate of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide since 1999, rejects Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu as the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.”

“As the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide is demised and Imo State is unarguably the state to still retain the President General, we strongly recommend Joe Nworgu PhD (Cambridge) who was one the contestants to that position,” Obioha said.

The group noted that Nworgu is suitably qualified to take up the mantle of Igbo leadership, having served dutifully as Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, adding that he was for several years the Deputy Secretary General.

“If Chief Iwuanyanwu wants to be called the President General, he is on his own and will not be recognised by us and l am sure that other affiliate organisations of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide will not recognise him,” the statement added.

The statement further called on those responsible for the recommendation and presentation of Iwuanyanwu to withdraw it in the interest of Ndigbo, stressing that the former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party Board of Trustees (PDP BOT) lacks what it takes to lead Ndigbo. (The Guardian)

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