Former Imo State Governor, Dr. Ikedi Ohakim, has said he is not interested in the presidency of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

He also said he was not aware of any plan to appoint or elect him, as he had not expressed any interest and had not been contacted by any individual or group.

Ohakim warned those spreading what he called malicious rumour and disinformation to desist from it.

The statement he personally signed read: ?My attention has been drawn to a widely published media report linking me with a certain move in some quarters to install me as the next president-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide; and as a result of which I have been inundated with inquiries from well-meaning Nigerians seeking for clarification. Despite the report?s baseless and defamatory nature, I am compelled to address this misinformation.

?Let me be clear: I have no knowledge of any plans to elect or appoint me as the next president-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo. No individual or group has contacted me, neither have I expressed interest in the position.?

?Our beloved leader, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, CFR, OFR, MFR, Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo, who headed the organisation till July 25, 2024, when he passed away, is yet to be laid to rest. As a member of the national burial committee, I am committed to ensuring that he receives a befitting farewell. It is customary among our people to refrain from discussing succession until after the departed hero is buried.

?I urge those spreading these malicious and reckless disinformation and bringing up the politics of Ohanaeze Ndigbo at this stage to desist from it and allow Ndigbo mourn and reflect on the late Ahaejiagamba?s legacy, which brought peace and tranquility to our organization and Ala Igbo as a whole.

?I reiterate: I have no involvement in or interest in the Ohanaeze Ndigbo presidency at this time.? (Text, excluding headline: Saturday Sun)

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