•Group says no lgbo-speaking part of lkwerre as claimed by Ohanaeze Ndigbo

By CHARLES IWUOHA

Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Dr. Polycarp Emeka Nwonyi, has cautioned members of Ohanaeze Ndigbo to stay clear of Port Harcourt as the landbelongs to Ikwerres.

The CP made the disclosure in a meeting in his office on Friday with members of Iwhuruohna People’s Association (IPA) and Ohanaeze Ndigbo as a result of the petition by the group to the Inspector-General of Police, copied to the CP and other security agencies.

During the meeting, the delegation of IPA led by its President, High Chief Monday Wehere, and Dr. William Wodi, stated categorically that Ikwerre people were not Igbos, and that there was no “Igbo-speaking” part of Ikwerre land as claimed by the Ohaneze Ndigbo.

They maintained that Igbos have five state capitals and numerous other cities where the so-called “Igbo Day” can be used to honour their fallen heroes but their choice of Port Harcourt is aimed at causing a breakdown of lawand order.

They also reminded the CP that the two factional leaderships were proposing the celebration at undisclosed venues in Port Harcourt.

The delegation of IPA pointed out that there was the likelihood that their undisclosed venues may clash with thevenue for the “Ikwerre Martyrs’ Day” already scheduled for September 29th, 2023.

They concluded that one of the reasons they are against them calling Ikwerre people Igbos and that Rivers State is not part of Igbo states was to stop them from extending their sit-at-home order to Rivers State.

Responding to their submissions,the leader of Igbo Community in Rivers State, Barr. Emmanuel Ukala, who is also the Vice Chairman of Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Port Harcourt Branch, denied ever fixing Igbo Day Celebration in Port Harcourt.

He maintained that the celebration was fixed at Enugu and also disowned the statements credited to Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Chidi Ibe and Chief Uchenna Okokoba respectively. He also said that they were impostors and cannot speak forIgbo people.

At this point, members of IPA quickly presented the press release of both factions and affirmed that the said venue earlier scheduled to hold at Liberation stadium in Port Harcourt was shifted to Enugu because of the pressure of IPA on them.

After listening to both sides, the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Dr. Emeka Polycap Nwonyi, advised members of Ohanaeze Ndigbo to honour their heroes and do their celebration in their states and leave Port Harcourt if Ikwerre people decides not to join, declaring that the proposed Igbo Day Celebration could not hold in Port Harcourt.

The CP said that Port Harcourt was Ikwerre land and whoever that buys land there would not carry it to his or her hometown.

The IPA statement was signed by lgwe Onyeche Wofurum, General Secretary

Iwhuruohna People’s Association (IPA).