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Wealth is useless if it hasn't transformed any life – Akubueze, Ohaneze Ndigbo president
By ANNA OKON
Chief Oliver Akubueze retired from the police force to establish a business concern that spans real estate, oil and the capital market. In this interview with ANNA OKON, he talks about his recent appointment as the president, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Lagos State Chapter
What makes you get emotional?
Things that make me emotional could depend on some factors. I hate cheating; I hate injustice. So anybody who does it where I am will naturally provoke a reaction in me. In the face of injustice, I like to speak up. I like to defend the weak. I could get cross with anyone on account of this.
What sort of injustice?
Injustice as you know could be political, economic, or even emotional. It depends on how you are looking at it. As a person, I hate to see someone being unduly denied of their rights. In such situations, I will do my best to correct that.
What have you done to correct the agony that comes with widowhood in Igbo custom?
Well, it is true that widowhood is a terrible thing. However, most of the stories you hear about widowhood are borne out of home videos. In various communities in Igboland, the way it is practised varies. Be that as it is, it is a terrible thing that a woman would wake up and realise that the breadwinner, the life partner is no longer there. And it is bad that certain people would be troubling the woman, basing their arguments on certain customs. As I have said several times, this custom is not everywhere in Igboland. But I will use this opportunity to tell Ndigbo that cultures that are detrimental in this age should be jettisoned.
Do you hope to address this as the new Ohaneze president in Lagos?
My mandate as the new Ohaneze president in Lagos incidentally is beyond that. Inasmuch as Ohaneze is the foremost socio-cultural group in Igboland, we have a united body that is bound to the national body, which is headed by Ambassador Ralph Uwechue. In Lagos, we have so many issues to address, which includes bringing all interests into one fold so that we can be one formidable force. We will also address the issue of a secretariat, which is lacking at the moment. We will also draw up programmes to empower Igbo youths, and widows who have found themselves in certain tight situations. The new Ohaneze will also address the issue of promoting Igbo culture and cuisines, by establishing a pub in our secretariat that will avail Igbo in Lagos all those delicacies.
Which Igbo delicacies appeal to you?
My community incidentally offers a wide range of delicacies, which are appealing. I like ugba with stockfish and palm wine.
How religious are you?
I enjoy a very close relationship with God. And I think He has been very kind to me, which is why I have vowed to always make Him my anchor. Christianity is a thing of the mind, so I am not one of those who would carry a loudspeaker to announce that I am a Christian.
What is your recipe for a successful marriage?
It takes the grace of God first of all. Once the hand of God is in your marriage, there will be understanding, tolerance, trust and love. There is need for every couple to have these virtues in their marriage. They should also learn to avoid letting their problems last into the next day. They should see their marriage as a union, a partnership, not a master-servant relationship. Communication is important between couples, because that is what oils the relationship.
How would you define success?
Success is a thing of the mind. People make the mistake of measuring success in terms of money and material acquisitions, but for me success is the number of lives I have been able to transform. Someone's wealth is useless if it has not transformed any life. Every day, I look for how I can affect someone positively. That is what gives me joy, not the number of latest cars I drive.
What fashion statements do you like to make?
What I wear depends on the mood, and circumstance. I wear suits, when it is a corporate setting. I wear jeans and T-shirts equally when I want to appear casual. But I love the traditional Igbo attire. As the new Ohaneze president, I have to be a fashion ambassador of the Igbo nation by appearing in my Igbo regalia often. One great thing about the Igbo regalia is that it gives one dignity. But my wardrobe has all sorts of attire, and how I dress depends on where I am going.
How do you relax?
I like to relax, because all work and no play, makes Jack a dull boy. When I am not visiting close friends, I would be at home playing music. I enjoy all kinds of music so long as it is soulful, slow and makes meaning. I particularly like highlife, but sometimes you could see me listening to our Nigerian musicians.
Which Nigerian musicians appeal to you?
I like a lot of these young ones, who have done so much in mixing modern music with highlife. To be frank, Nigerian music has really improved, and I am optimistic that a lot of attention is coming their way on the global scene.
What attracts you to the opposite sex?
I like a woman I can relate with. That is what attracted me in the first place to my wife. I like when a woman is intelligent. I also value inner beauty, which is the total of what a woman should represent.
Is it true that an African man is polygamous in nature?
Polygamy is not peculiar to Africa alone. White people practise what I call serial polygamy. They marry many times, each time to different women.
Can you stay with one woman?
Yes, I can. And I do not think it is difficult to do.
What do you cherish most in your life?
I will say it is my family. That is one thing I remember, and thank God. That is one aspect of my life I cannot trade with anything.
How would you describe Oliver Akubueze?
Oliver Akubueze means many things to many people. He is first a father, a husband, and a true son of Abia State. Yes, he is also a businessman, who was once a police officer. He is a knight in Anglican Church and has a few chieftaincy titles, bestowed on him for service to his people. He could get emotional, and likes fairness and equity.
Source: Punch, 7th Feb. 2010.
THE ROLE OF OHANEZE IN FOSTERING NATIONAL UNITY AND NIGERIAN NATIONALISM
BY Prof. B.I.C. Ijomah (PhD. Northwestern)
Chief Executive, Centre For Policy Studies and Research, Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria.
Delivered at Owerri to Mark The Igbo Day Celebration, 28th. September 2009
Preamble: I was given the freedom to choose a topic for this lecture. I chose to discuss "Ohaneze, The Quest for Igbo Unity, Nigerian Nationalism and the Future of this Country". Whether anybody believes me or not, this federation and its federalism are not working well at all. We cannot sit down scampering for money when the source of that money is being systematically controlled by other people. It is our sacred responsibility to ensure that this country returns to the agreement Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir Amadu Bello and Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa accepted as a basis for our living together as one country. What we parade as constitutions with all their sanctimonious amendments cannot keep this country together. The founders of Ohaneze knew that only in unity and strength can the Igbo people say anything that Nigerians would listen to. They have formed the unfortunate notion that whenever the Igbo man sees money, his perception on any issue changes.
I followed my political mentor, Chief Denis Osadebay to Ohaneze meetings since the early 1980's. At that time, the concept of Ohaneze was noble as it ought to be in recent times. The Founding fathers included Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe. After the elections that followed, most of the founding fathers found themselves in the NPN while Dr. Azikiwe and his political son Chief Jim Nwobodo were in the NPP. At that time, there was the Summit of Ohaneze. The Summit was the Apex of Ohaneze. Some of us never knew when and where they met. Their views and decisions were always respected and accepted by Ohaneze itself. The Summit was made up of 9 leaders which initially included Dr. Azikiwe. It also included such other leaders like Nnanna Kalu, Dr. Michael Okpara the Premier of the defunct Eastern Nigeria, Dr. K.O.Mbadiwe, Chief Dennis Osadebay, Sir Francis Akanu Ibiam. I believe Chief Nwankwu and Chief Jerome Udoji were also members. I attended the meetings of Ohaneze at Enugwu – Ukwu, at Nara, and at Umana. It was at Umana that Prof. Nwabueze was elected the Secretary of Ohaneze. When Dr. Azikiwe pulled out from the Summit, Chief Odumegwu Ojukwu replaced him. The number remained Nine. I cannot now remember the rationale for the sacred number nine.
Before the Umana meeting, Ohaneze was not properly structured. The Summit functioned like its policy propeller. Prof. Nwabueze no doubt, brought dynamism into the management of Ohaneze, but in the process, the Summit was allowed to wither away. The Secretary towered above Ohaneze itself. Any criticism of the Secretary became a criticism of the Ohaneze. Prof. Nwabueze became a Secretary in the 1980's from the date of Umana meeting. He sat tight until Ohaneze was engulfed in internal crises. Chief Achuzia who took over as Secretary also sat tight until he was politely pushed away. What I am trying to say is that the management of Ohaneze was not intended to be left in the hands of the Secretary and the President-General alone. I still see the wisdom in having matured leaders to serve in the Summit as its Board of trustees. Between the Summit and the Executive, Ohaneze will be given an orientation and a focus that will not allow juvenile critics to drag Ohaneze to the pages of the Newspapers as we saw in recent times. Ohaneze is the General Assembly of Igbo People. It should intervene whenever there is a misunderstanding among members of Ohaneze. Without discipline, and respect for leadership, outsiders cannot respect Ohaneze as the supreme voice of the Igbo nation. The Summit should be made up of experienced leaders with integrity who can settle all misunderstandings before they are publicised. Ohaneze should appreciate the peculiar nature of the Igbo people and accept the responsibility to speak boldly and intelligently on its behalf. I appeal to the Governors that while we respect their elevated positions as the elected leaders of the states, Ohaneze cuts across state boundaries and should touch on every Igboman wherever he is found. Ohaneze, if it is to be effective, should be the standard bearer of the Igbo nation.
The Problem of Ohaneze now is how to raise the funds for its programmes. As I mentioned at the Ohaneze meeting in Asagba's palace at Asaba, Ohaneze of the 1980's did not depend on the Governors alone for funding. Leaders and ordinary people donated the funds for the running of Ohaneze. Jim Nwobodo was the Governor at that time; but Ohaneze did not depend on him alone for funds. Ohaneze moved around from one town to another. Levies were collected; market men and women were convinced of the usefulness of Ohaneze, and donated money willingly. Ohaneze at that time was a symbol of Igbo nationalism. This last sentence is very important. There is nothing that unites the Igbos now except business; but the Igbos do not control the businesses: Yes, we are importers! But the Customs and Immigration are controlled by a section of the country that do not import. When goods are seized, generally, the goods belong to the Igbo man. I believe we cannot continue to be appendages in our own country. We must recalculate our mistakes of the past, and plot a new and honourable future. I see Ohaneze taking the lead in helping the businessmen with limited education and experience. Every misfortune of the businessman is a tragedy for the Igbo people.
Where we are? It is my view that Igbo nationalism which culminated in the formation of Ohaneze has waned. We have always preached that unity is strength; and yet we have failed to unite even in the face of provocations from other people. The unity among the Igbo people at the beginning of the Civil War was unprecedented. We were prepared to fight even to the last man. Unfortunately, we could not sustain this tempo till the end. People began to withdraw into their conches. The Publication of the Ahiara Declaration frightened many Biafrans, and dampened their perception of the war. Among the Igbo this perception assumed ethnic colouration. In conflict management external threat should strengthen in-group affiliations. This nation has never been one. It cannot be one, unless certain conditions are fulfilled, and the earlier the Igbo man understands the game plan of the in this country, the better for us to make contingent plans to enable us live with others according to the exigencies of the time.
The Constitution under which we agreed to live together as one nation was unilaterally desecrated by the military in favour of the North. The fiscal federalism which we accepted at independence was violated without reference to the South. I have spoken at various fora that unless the broken pledge was restored, there will be no peace in Nigeria. The militancy in the south is only an effect of the refusal to obey the agreements that made us one nation. When we agree to be one nation, we must invoke the provisions of our Independence Constitution. The Biafran war was fought because the Igbo people were treated like second class citizens. More are coming. The Northerners are playing a tape that was prepared for them by their leader, Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto. The Northerners will always want to rule directly, or appoint a southern stooge they can control.
Let us consider the statement credited to Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, and see if what the Northerners are doing is anything different from the laid down injunctions. On the 12 of October, 1960, just 12 days after independence from Britain, Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto said: The new nation called Nigeria should be an estate from our great- grand father, Othoman Dan Fodio. We must ruthlessly prevent a change
of power. We must use the minorities in the North as willing tooLs, and
the South as conquered territories AND NEVER ALLOW THEM TO HAVE CONTROL OF THEIR FUTURE.
The Parrot, Oct. 12, 1960 Sir Ahmadu Bello's nationalism ended in uniting the Northern region under one Hausa language. The North has been on a systematic pacification of the South. The minorities in the North are actually manipulated. The Igbo people lost the Civil War; but I believe the Civil War is still on. The roads in the South East tell the story of a conquered and marginalised people. Having pacified the South East, the North under the JFT have pounded on the Niger Delta. The pacification of the Yoruba is not far from their calculation. I tell you that the Yoruba will not be taken for granted. Any attack on the Yoruba will be the end of this federation. The North is ready to tolerate this federation only as long as they control the nation. It cannot continue to be so.
From the beginning, we have not all seriously wanted a united Nigeria. As I said in my book, Essays on Social Controversies, What held Nigeria together was not the unity of the people but the force of Pax Britannica. The late prime minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa was conscious of this transcendental unity when he said during the legislative council debate that: Many (Nigerians) deceive themselves by thinking that Nigeria is one….particularly some of the press people. This is wrong. I am sorry to say this presence of unity Is artificial and it ends outside this Chambers….. The Southern tribes who are now pouring into the North in ever increasing numbers , and are more or less domiciled here do not mix with the northern people …and we in the north look upon them as invaders,
I submit that there was no deliberate effort made by any leader to develop an ideological orientation from the working experience of disparate peoples lumped together without consultation. I mean an orientation that would have enabled us to see what could unite us. Ours is the politics of sharing the little that we have. Even in families when food is shared, quarrels are inevitable.
As at 1952, the Westerners in the north accounted for 6.6% of the population. This included the Yorubas in Ilorin; the Easterners were 2.4%. The total stranger elements in the north were 9% of the total northern population. They did not mix freely with the northerners, and they did not understand them. When Abubakar Tafawa Balewa attacked the southern migrants, the figures were much less.
At the inaugural conference of Egbe Omo Oduduwa in June 1948, Sir Adeyemo Alakija attacked the Igbo people and declared that:
We were bunched together by the British who named us Nigeria.
We never knew the Ibos.
The Easterners in the West at that time were less than 3.5% of the Western population. This feeling pervaded the politics of the country and came to a climax when Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe who had won elections into the Western House of Assembly was not allowed to form the government simply because he was an Igbo man. This incident marred his relationship with Chief Obafemi Awolowo. Since that time, no serious efforts were made to socialise our children to feel that they belong to the same country. The usual slogan of north for the Northerners, East for the Easterners and west for the Westerners dominated until the civil war. When the war was over, Gowon's response was the creation of states. Whatever was left of Nigerian nationalism was jettisoned for statism. As at now, our nationalism has degenerated to local government consciousness and wardism. There was no effort made to create a nation with a will to live together as a nation.
PETROLEUM INDUSTRIES BILL
The struggle for the soul of this nation has already begun. Some of us are satisfied with the crumbs from the masters table. In so doing, we mortgage the future of our children. There is no oil in the North, but the Northerners control key offices in the oil and gas industries. The Petroleum Industries Bill should be studied by all of us before our legislators pass it into law. I know that it is voluminous. I beg our legislators, in the name of Nigeria to sit down and read it well. They should not vote for the sake of voting. Let their conscience guide them for the future of our children. Perhaps we need serious seminars on bills coming up at the national assembly so that our representatives will have the feel of the people they represent.
This country is not what we planned it to be. When we had our independence in 1960, I had just entered the University of Nigeria, Nsukka as an undergraduate. I became the first President of the Students' Union. We were immediately confronted with the obnoxious Anglo-Nigerian Defence Pact. We blamed our leaders for not understanding the internal and external implications of the Anglo-Nigerian Defence Pact. I travelled to Ibadan and Zaria. We organised ourselves in the Institutions of Higher Learning to reject the defence pact. We won. Internal scheming among the leaders of the country did not create room for the germination of the spirit of Nigerian Nationalism. Yes, it is true that Zik and his colleagues fought for independence; but nationalist struggle is not the same thing as nationalism. Yes, we had nationalist fighters who drove the colonial powers away and won independence for us. But no sooner had the colonial administrators left than we descended on ourselves and made the emergence of one Nigerian nation impossible. What we had was in the words of Garibaldi, a geographic expression not a nation. What our leaders could have done was, to try to unite the nation, the political differences notwithstanding.
It would be wrong to say that they did not try. Dr. Azikiwe was said to have written a post-election letter to Chief Awolowo, suggesting that their two parties should form an alliance in the Western Region (West Africa, December 29, 1951).In April 1953, the Action Group and the NCNC formed a pre-Constitutional- Conference alliance in which they agreed to ask for Federalism and they would also ask for self-government in 1956. It was also agreed that if the North still refused to have self-government in 1956, "the Alliance would demand that a constituent assembly be called to prepare for self-government in 1956. In the event of the refusal of the Secretary of State for the Colonies to cooperate, the Alliance would summon a constituent assembly of Southern Nigeria, draft a constitution and declare the independence of Southern Nigeria (Daily Times November 27, 1953) also cited in Sklar, Nigerian Political Parties, pp.130-131.
On February 2, 1953, the Action Group and the NPC had signed an agreement to work together. The Sardauna of Sokoto and Abubakar Tafawa Balewa , Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Bode Thomas signed the agreement. Unfortunately, this agreement never came into effect before the Kano riot in which many Southerners mainly Igbos were killed even though the disturbances were precipitated by the meeting of the Action Group in Kano. The fact that the Action Group entered into the two alliances almost simultaneously raised doubts as to the credibility of the Action Group at that time. Several attempts by the leaders thereafter to come together collapsed due to their mutual suspicion of one another.
When Independence was finally achieved, the Colonial Government knew that they could not live together under a unitary system of government. The Independence Constitution provided for a Federal Government in which the federating regions had their separate constitutions, and a Federal Constitution for the centre. Even at that, the leaders found living together difficult, and ended up in a civil war.
The post war unitary military regime could only appear to work because of the garrison state in which Nigeria found herself after the war. Now we have a civilian regime; but the Governors keep running to Abuja to consult the President as if we are still running a Centralised Administration. The Governors should not be going to Abuja always with "cap in hand". The problem with the present regime is its over concern with oil and gas wealth that can be distributed without adequate concern for the people being degraded by those exploiting the oil and gas. Government should show more concern for what every state can derive and contribute into the distributable pool. The way this nation is being managed will certainly create pockets of disaffection from what we call our country. There is no justice in practically everything we do as a nation. This is wrong! We cannot apprehend and sanction corrupt leaders, but we drag ordinary taxi drivers to the police stations for questionable offences. This is wrong! We want education; but we refuse to pay professors who teach our children. This is wrong! A Local Government Councilor takes home a fatter pay than a University Professor. This is wrong! The National Assembly members are in a class of their own living in affluence, among their people who live in abject and pulverising poverty in their constituencies. This is wrong!
This country, this federation, without fiscal federalism, is not working well at all. It has encouraged prophets of doom to see their own kind of visions. I believe that if we are sincere with Nigeria we can make it work. But when ethnicism and nepotism are the basis for appointments, when incompetence becomes competence because a relation who is a Managing Director interprets what is competence, when there is a preconception of who or which ethnic group should rule this country, and some are to be manipulated and others treated like conquered persons, then the present and the future are fraught with conflicts and instability. I see a great danger ahead and I call on every Nigerian, especially the Igbo man who is everywhere, to shine his eyes. Nigeria could be better than it is if we had leaders who knew the problems of Nigeria before becoming Presidents. Most of the Presidents only become aware of the problems or the difficulty in running this country after their swearing in. They quickly assemble advisers and experts who had failed the previous regimes, and so the cycle of incompetence continues to the detriment of the nation. Presidents are afraid to appoint advisers who hold strong views on how this country can be improved. This is unfortunate. Mediocrity can never raise the tempo of development of this nation. Look at the mess in the economy and banking sector; see the avoidable impasse in our education system. In management, all issues must be elevated to the intellectual plain before impartial and workable solutions are found. When we stick to emotional and mundane principles in a sharing mentality, the reasoning faculty will be beclouded, and the nation will stagnate in a quandary.
OHANEZE AND THE NEW IGBO NATIONALISM
Those who conceived the concept of Ohaneze were men of wisdom and vision. In summary, what they were trying to tell us is that nobody can represent Ndigbo better than Ndigbo themselves. My personal assessment of my people is that we have clinged more to those who suck us, and use us. When the chips are down, the Igbo man will realise that he alone cannot protect the destiny of the Igbo nation. It is a collective venture. Clan associations are in adequate to project the Igbo agenda. Students' Associations are inadequate. Were it not for the internal bickering in Ohaneze, we would have by now built a formidable body as credible as the Arewa Consultative Body. Every Government listens to Arewa because of its discipline and internal cohesion. Its research outfit brings together first class scholars who advise AREWA on national issues. I was astounded to read its memorandum to the National Technical Committee on Niger Delta. AREWA people are not from the Niger Delta. But they believe that what affects the Niger Delta directly or indirectly affects them.
The Igbo man felt a little removed from the realities of the Niger Delta. This should not be. I have already painted a scenario of what is happening. The Igbo man must begin to analyse his future within the context of one Nigeria or in a fractured and fragmented Nigeria as some clerics are prophesying. In nation building anything can happen, depending on how the rulers rule. The common man is happy to live peacefully and do his business. A little peace is all that he needs for his business. In fact, the Igbo trader was in Sokoto and Maduguri before Southern politicians got there. There were Hausa and Yoruba quarters in Onitsha before Northern politicians got to Onitsha. It is the elite and the educated who are never satisfied with normal salaries out of greed. They want to carry all. There is an Igbo saying that "turu kam turu adighi ese okwu" It mean " take a little and let me take a little, and there will be no quarrel." The tragic mess in the banking sector and the mess of some governors who convert the money meant for developing their areas into personal wealth in the midst of the poverty of their people cry to God for justice. God has heard the prayers and the day of reckoning is near. This country has enough wealth to build many referral hospitals. The rich fly overseas to treat themselves. The poor die and are forgotten; but God does not forget their last moments of agonies. They could have been saved if we had leaders who love this country and who could have built referral hospitals to save people. Like Ogunde, the musician, told the Yoruba people in their period of listlessness and confusion, in his record-Yoruba Ronu, which means, Yoruba think. – I call on Ndigbo to think. I cannot imagine a Nigeria without the Igbo people.
It appears to me that Ndigbo are too busy looking for money; they are too busy taking risks to travel to different parts of Nigeria and Africa in search of wealth. They have no time to look into other requirements of life. They must unite themselves in order to make collective contributions to where they live, this nation called Nigeria. It is our own. It belongs to all of us. We cannot be second class citizens in Nigeria. We must collectively work to change the public perception of the Igbo man. We are also God fearing. While we may be busy, and we are very hard working people, let us support Ohaneze to be a think tank as the Arewa Consultative Forum is to the North. The Forum advises every Northern Governor and the President. They do not run themselves down on the pages of the Newspapers. There is no burning issue in Nigeria that Arewa scholars have not proffered suggestions. We have Igbo intellectuals on both sides of River Niger who can reason while the business men pursue their businesses. The political mess in Anambra State portrays a people desperate for power, and ever willing to us their wealth to fight themselves. People are not asking who can salvage Anambra? They are probably waiting for who can distribute the largest amount of money. The destiny of Anambra people is more important than the claims of aspiring politicians.
Mr. Chairman, let me use this opportunity to plead that we look inwards; we will find in the Igbo man, a divine gift to Nigeria. Let us use what we have to bring ourselves together. The Igbo day celebration is a period for sober reflection throughout the nation. It should not end in giving lectures and clapping hands. It appears to me that the leadership has not made enough consultations or that information was not properly handled. May I suggest the following :
1. The Governors of all Igbo-speaking States should be properly consulted to give legitimacy to Igbo Day. After all, that is what federalism means – ability of the federating units to handle issues peculiar to them like the Sharia in the Northern States.
2. The Igbo Day should be declared a holiday in Igbo Speaking States.
3. In addition to what the Ohaneze does, the Governments in Igbo-speaking states should on their own organise celebrations and thanksgiving services for what they are after the horrible civil war.
4. The Igbo Day Celebration should be well packaged to include the achievements of the Igbo man, and perhaps with exhibitions in all fields to show case the Igbo man.
5. There should be a grand finale.
6. The Organising Committee should be made up of :
i. Representatives of the five Governors in Igbo-speaking States
ii. Representatives of Igbos in Rivers State and Delta State,
iii. Representatives of Igbos in Lagos, Abuja and other major cities in Nigeria.
iv. Representatives of Igbos in USA; Great Britain; South Africa and in the Diaspora.
v. Representatives of the Igbo Traditional Councils
vi. Representatives of Women
vii. Representatives of Igbo Youths.
The late Chief K.O. Mbadiwe once saw me at Asaba, in Chief Denis Osadebay's house, and in a discussion that ensued, he challenged me to write a book on Ndigbo. "Who is an Igbo man?" He asked me. Seeing this crowd of brothers and sisters gathered here, I am moved to tears that simply because of minor dialectic variations, there can be any argument in certain quarters as to whether one is an Igbo man or not. The Ijaws in Lagos State, Ondo State, Bayelsa State, and Rivers State have found that they have a common heritage. They are members of Ijaw National Congress. It has now dawned on me that a book on the Igbo man is certainly an urgent desideratum. Prof. G.E.K. Ofomata's book – A Survey of the Igbo Nation, published by Africana First Publishers Limited 2002, is a good work. It has not, however, answered Dr. Mbadiwe's ontological question, "Who is an Igbo man?" May I humbly call on the President-General of Ohaneze to approach all Igbo sons and daughters, the governors inclusive, to raise funds for this monumental research. Igbo nationalism must be seen within the context of Nigerian Nationalism. Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe in 1949 observed that: The Ibo (Igbo) people have reached a cross road and it is for us
to decide which is right course to follow. (Zik, A Selection from the Speeches of Nnamdi Azikiwe, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1961, p. 181
He advised the Igbos to follow the road to self determination within the framework of a federated commonwealth of Nigeria. Nigeria is a large and unwieldy nation. It requires the best persons to manage it and shape it into a nation. One would have thought that after the Civil War, we would have deliberately and consciously healed the wounds. As I said earlier, I believe the Civil War is still on, in the treatment being meted to the Igbo people as a conquered people. How does one explain the absence of any good Federal roads in the South-East. Nothing works! Even the North is not better in terms of infrastructural development. As I said, Nigerian nationalism died before it germinated. I lamented in my book Afrocracy that Where a number of historic cleavages intermix and create a basis for politics, democracy will be unstable and weak, for by definition, such politics does not include the concept of tolerance (B.I.C. Ijomah, Afrocracy, Basis For National Unity, Benin: Idodo-Umeh Publishers, 1988) We must think seriously on how to unite this country. By any indication, we are not yet a nation. Politicians and rulers are concerned about their states, local governments and wards and their pockets. There has been no reflection on what makes the spirit of the nation. In the National Assembly, one easily sees divisions on clear cut lines. The different sharing postures shows we cannot for now be one nation. We should learn to show concerns about other parts of the nation.
Our perennial mistake has always been that we allow parties to emerge from political coalitions without ideological orientation as we are still doing now. As long as political parties are gang ups for winning elections, there will be no room for any kind of national orientation to germinate. Nigerian nationalism will remain a twenty first century political mirage, sought after, but never attained.
I thank you for inviting me to speak. May God Bless the Igbo Nation, bless our Delta State, and Nigeria.
Ohanaeze lauds Umeadi over verdict on Oshiomhole, others
From Uzoma Nzeagwu, Awka
IN a major boost to reward excellence, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Anambra State branch, has charged members of the Bar, especially judges in the country, to emulate the virtues of Justice Peter N. C. Umeadi (rtd) in discharging their duties.
Chairman of the Igbo-apex socio-cultural organisation in Anambra State, Dr. Philip Atanmuo, gave the charge in Awka yesterday at a luncheon organised by the Ohanaeze to honour of the retired Justice Umeadi for excellent performance while serving the nation.
He recalled the landmark judgment of March 20, 2008, in which Umeadi declared Governor Adams Oshiomhole the winner in the Edo State governorship election of April 14, 2007, having scored the highest number of valid votes cast.
While showering encomiums on Umeadi for having stood firm in the discharge of his duties, he enjoined other judges to keep the flag flying and hold tenaciously to their oath of allegiance to dispense justices to all.
"We urge you judges to hold strongly to your opinions, continue in the interest of the citizenry and Nigerians. We in the Ohanaeze believe in rule of law and due process and we will continue to count on the integrity of our judges", he added.
Describing Umeadi as a worthy son of Anambra and distinguished jurist, Atanmuo disclosed that the group has set in motion a process that would always recognise and celebrate any Igbo person who excels in his or her area of endeavour.
"Henceforth, we will continue to honour and reward deserving sons and daughters of Igbo extraction who have contributed immensely to the progress and development of Igboland in particular and Nigeria in general. It is our mission to tell the Igbo that Ohanaeze has repositioned to fight and advance its cause in the affairs of the nation", he added.
While lamenting the travails of the Igbo, the Ohanaeze chief noted: "The Igbo have been largely involved in the development of Nigeria. Ours has been to struggle for survival. We are found in all the remotest parts of the country doing one business or the other, ... struggling to make ends meet. We must struggle peacefully to make homes, to feed our families,... We have never taken anybody's share and all we are saying is for the Federal Government to give us our rights".
He commended the efforts of the judiciary in ensuring that justice prevailed especially in the 2007 elections, where judges at the tribunals and various courts helped to uphold the nation's democracy, hoping that they would sustain the tempo in Anambra governorship election next year.
Earlier in his welcome address, Chairman of the occasion, Justice Obiora Nwazota (rtd), emphasised that Umeadi had performed his duties in accordance to the oath of office, maintaining that he performed well at the Edo State Election Tribunal as the chairman.
In his response, Justice Umeadi commended Ohanaeze Ndigbo for recognising his inputs in the development of the judiciary in Nigeria and urged that the recognition given to him should be extended to citizens of the state who had excelled in their various fields of endeavour.
Source: The Guardian, 4th December 2009.
Marginalisation: Ohaneze Makes Case for Ndigbo
From Amby Uneze in Owerri
For clearly showing discriminatory attitude towards Ndigbo and in sharp contrast with the concession given to other ethnic groups in the country, the apex socio-cultural organisation binding all Ndigbo, the Ohaneze Ndigbo has demanded from the federal authority and other Nigerians a fraternal apology for various injustices Ndigbo had suffered in the hands of the nation.
"It is only right to assert that our beloved co-citizens of Nigeria owe the Igbo Nation unreserved fraternal apology for visiting an unjust and sustained capital political punishment on the entire Igbo nation, vis-B-vis their constitutional right to exercise executive power as president of our country," the Ohaneze said.
Addressing a large crowd of Ndigbo at the grand finale of Igbo Day Celebration held at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Ambassador Ralph Uwechue, OFR, observed that the demand for presidency of Nigerian was a fundamental right already too long denied.
While urging all Ndigbo, no matter their individual political differences to unite now for the fight, Uwechue reminded Nigerians of the various contributions done by the Igbos with the sole aim to unite the country right from the agitation of Independence for the Nigeria.
On national integration, he highlighted many efforts of Ndigbo to develop the socio-economic front of the country through their numerous investment in all the nooks and crannies of Nigeria without bias of their ethnic boundaries.
He recalled the effort of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe in the unification of the country through his "One Nigeria" slogan which brought back the disintegration of the ethnic nationalities in 1957.
According to him, in 1957 when the British Colonial Government under intense pressure from Southern politicians pressing for independence, attempted to uncouple the union between the North and the South forged through Lord Lugard's Amalgamation of 1914, with the offer of Independence to the three Regions individually provided any two accepted the offer, a political crisis loomed large on the national horizon.
"The NCNC leader, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe took the stand that although the Eastern Region was ready to assume the responsibilities of Regional Independence, its attainment without the North would lead, in his own words, to the "Balkanisation of the Nigerian Nation" and unity a break-up of the country.
The Eastern Region would rather suppress it's appetite for Independence and the obvious gains it would entail until the Northern Region was ready. That was how Nigerian Independence was delayed until 1960. In short, the Igbo-led Eastern Region would rather forgo the advancement of its own political and economic interests than risk the break-up of Nigeria", he said.
He added that had the Eastern Region opted for Independence at that time, the territory under its control would have comprised in today's terms the following nine States with their enormous human and natural resources. The states include Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River, Ebonyi, Enugu , Imo and Rivers.
"It would also have included in all probability, as was the case with the then Northern Cameroon which became today's Adamawa and Taraba States, what was then the Southern Cameroon with the oil rich Bakassi Peninsula well in the middle of the distinct, sovereign and independence Eastern Nigeria", he observed.Earlier, the Chairman of the 2009 Igbo Day national Organizing Committee, Sir Onyeso Nwachukwu, OFR had welcomed all the Igbo sons and daughters who trooped from far and near to grace the occasion. Prominent Igbo sons and daughters were present at the colourful ceremony.
Source: This Day, 3rd October 2009.
Eya Is Ohanaeze's Scribe, Uwechue Insists
From Lawrence Njoku, Enugu
PRESIDENT General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Ralph Uwechue said yesterday that former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Commissioner, Chief Nduka Eya remained the authentic Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, having emerged from the election conducted by the Sir Onyesoh Nwachukwu-led committee.
He said Eya and no other person qualified to speak on behalf of the Igbo on any issue, expressing dismay at comments credited to Richard Ozobu claiming to be speaking for the Igbo.
Addressing reporters in Enugu, he said the new leadership had decided to peacefully resolve the differences that arose from the last election of the group in the interest of the Igbo, stressing however, that it would not allow certain persons to usurp the opportunity for their selfish interests.
Uwechue said bearing in mind the last crisis, which almost marred the organization, it decided to consult with stakeholders on the peaceful way out of the issue, insisting that it would in no way alter the outcome of the election that brought the new leadership to office.
"That same election was where myself and other members of the executive emerged from. At a point, the election of the Secretary General which should come from Enugu State was delayed; but the same committee that organized the election later approved the election of Chief Eya, who was sworn in the same day at Awka like all other executive members. Eya is the one occupying that position and that action has sealed the aspiration of any other person disguising as Secretary General," he said.
Source: The Guardian, 7th March 2009.
Ohanaeze begs striking teachers to return to work
Written by Tony Edike
THE apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo yesterday, pleaded with striking school teachers in the South East states to return to work, while urging the governments of the states in the region to take immediate steps to reach an acceptable agreement with the teachers over their grievances. The teachers had commenced the indefinite strike on Monday in protest over the inability of the state governments to effect an agreed 27.5 per cent pay rise.
Secretary General of the organisation, Prince Richard Ozobu who made the plea in a statement in Enugu, lamented that the strike was coming at a time when the governments of the South East states were making great efforts to improve the lives of their respective citizens, adding that it was capable of derailing the progress so far made.
Observing that the welfare of teachers should be of paramount importance to the state governments, Ozubu however, said that resorting to industrial action may not be the best course for the teachers to take in view of the hardship and loss it would impose on both the students and their parents in 'these trying times'.
"Ohanaeze is passionately pleading with the striking teachers in the South East and neighbouring states to return to work in the interest of the pupils and students while at the same time urging the governments of the South East states to take immediate steps to reach an agreement with the teachers and address their grievances. This is hardly the right time for such an interruption or disruption of activities in an any area of economic and social life of the people of the region," he said.
He also called on the concerned parties to establish an enduring platform for dialogue and resolution of conflicts in order to prevent issues between them from getting out of hand.
On the lingering controversy over the rightful occupant of his office, Prince Ozobu restated that the issue had been resolved with the inauguration of the new Ohanaeze Executive led by Ambassador Ralph Uwechue with himself as Secretary General in Awka, Anambra State last January.
He added that the secretariat of the organisation at Park Avenue Enugu , was also formally handed over to him by the immediate past Secretary General, Chief Joe Achuzia and challenged those who claimed that one Mr Nduka Eya had been sworn in as Secretary General to provide evidence as to where and when such an event took place.
"I think some people are only trying to be either mischievous or untruthful when they say that some other person than myself has been sworn in as Secretary General of Ohanaeze. I challenge those people to tell us where and when such an action was carried out. I remember vividly that the only thing that happened in Awka on Janurary was that Ambassador Uwechue led executive of Ohanaeze was formally inaugurated and I was sitting right there with him with the other members", he said.
Source: Vanguard, 4th March 2009.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo: An agenda for Uwechue and co
Written by Dennis Agbo
JANUARY 30,2009 perhaps marked the point of reckoning for the Igbo nation. It was the day that the entire Igbo under its apex socio-cultural umbrella, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo at the Women Development Centre, Awka Anambra State, seamlessly transited from one set of executives to another.
The peace and joy of that event almost defeated the saying that the Ndigbo is a nation without a leader.
It was the first time since after the end of Nigeria/Biafra war that an Igbo across the Niger was handed over the mantle of leadership of the entire Igbo race both at home and in diaspora. The event also brought to rest the alleged vexed issue of two sets of Ohanaeze Ndigbo constitution which was the main issue that almost disintegrated the apex Igbo body when Professor Joe Irukwu was in charge.
For some other reason, the new crop of Ohanaeze Ndigbo leadership under Ambassador Ralph Uwechue as President General and Chief Nduka Eya as Secretary General purged the old way of public presentations of Igbo leaders and a new mechanism and structure instituted for inauguration and swearing-in of the executives after a decent election.
Chairman of the inauguration committee, Engr. Chris Okoye at the occasion said that it is the fervent prayer of Ndigbo that the apex body should once more become the coordinating council of the civil society organizations and the conscience of the people in which Ohanaeze would become the foundation upon which a disciplined modern industrial democracy will rise in Igboland.
Interestingly, Okoye's expectation is coming at a time Ndigbo had gone back to the drawing board to dust up its economic road map that was upswing before the break-out of the civil war in 1967. According to the new economic agenda when it comes to fruition, the South-East may once again become the leading economy in the country if not in the continent.
Away from the expected economic eldorado, Ndigbo as a race is presently confronted with many problems which Uwechue and his executives are being looked upon to resolve. One is on the Igbo culture and identity.
1. Though people like Professor Chinua Achebe through their writings like Things Fall Apart have repackaged the image of Igbo, the present day Ohanaeze if it must enjoy a lasting solidarity and reverence of all Igbo would have to look the way of encouraging with the cooperation of modern technology and the tertiary institutions, the Igbo studies so as to explore the entire terrain.
The immediate past President General of the apex Igbo body, Dr. Dozie Ikedife in his valedictory speech suggested to Uwechue to endow university scholarships, institutes and fellowships for Igbo studies.
Ikedife regretted that though the Igbo film which is a precursor to the present day home videos have stated penetrating the whole African continent, Ohanaeze has lacked funds and the organization of promoting Igbo language and culture in the proper manner.
Something quiet insulting happened to Ohanaeze Ndigbo in the process of Ikedife-Uwechue transition. At the National Secretariat of Ohanaeze along Park Avenue, GRA, Enugu, a group of political hirelings suspected to allegedly have the support of one of the South- East State governments, overran the Ohanaeze secretariat and locked the gate. It was quite a nuisance.
For whatever reason, no government, group or individual should hold Ndigbo to ransom. . If any state government feels that it is the owner of the Ohanaeze secretariat, it should understand that there are many towns in Igboland where Ohanaeze Secretariat could be sited.
The show of shame therefore throws a challenge to Uwechue and co to either obtain the C of O of that secretariat or begin the process of erecting a permanent structure for Ohanaeze Ndigbo where no thug could lay arsenal.
On politics, Ndigbo and Nigeria; it is high time Ohanaeze leadership clearly takes a stand on the nature of our federation. The Irukwu era was very insulting to Ndigbo, when three Igbo governors and the Ohanaeze leadership decided to support the third term ambition of Oluesegun Obasanjo.
The individualism of Ndigbo in the past few years produced an anarchic situation in which individuals and private caucuses make their bargains for private profit without regard to the public good. Ohanaeze cannot stand aside while the rot deepens.
According to Dr. Ikedife, Ohanaeze holds the opinion that it is when politics is based upon community values; when the people give their vote freely to a candidate in order to empower him pursue agreed goals, that politics becomes truly democratic and responsible.
"We need once again to take collective control of our politics. We must reorganize and empower our town unions to defend democracy at the grassroots. Town unions should be a fourth tier of government fully capable at their level of giving strategic direction to economic development and electoral practice in our communities," advised Ikedife.
On education, between 1930s and 40s, Ndigbo pioneered an educational revolution which took the entire nation by surprise. That revolution enabled the Igbo meet and surpass within one generation, other regions which embarked on western education one century earlier.
Today however, there is stagnation in Igbo education that instead of investing enough in the training of youths to ensure competitiveness for them in the next generation, in the manufacturing and other service deliveries, more energy is concentrated on buying and selling. Ohanaeze should therefore prioritize education both in arts, science and mathematics.
The Nigeria/Biafra war that wasted the economy of Igboland needed a massive injection of stimulus capital at the end of the civil war. But instead of providing such funds the federal government adopted a policy of benign neglect or a punitive attitude. What Ndigbo need today is to pool their capital resources together for development.
They will also be in a better situation to borrow funds if they work together as a big economic entity. Ohanaeze is already aware of the South-East Nigeria Economic Commission (SENEC) which is a joint venture of the zone that involves private, public and community partnership. The apex Igbo body would have to mobilize the entire Igbo to make sure that the economic project succeeds.
The Igbo in diaspora usually suffer causality whenever there is outbreak of violence in any part of Nigeria, even in the entire Africa. The Igbo that conducts business either in Opobo or Utorkom will always become victim of looting or outright arson for cases they never knew their causes.
This has for a long time become a huge problem for Igbo nation. Ambassador Uwechue is expected to use his diplomatic experience to appeal on the sentiments of other tribes to please allow the Igbo be.
There is no doubt that these are herculean tasks but every generation confronts its problems to seek for permanent solutions.
It is of no immediate advantage struggling for "Igbo Presidency" when the economy and education of Ndigbo are in shambles. The much talked Nigeria President from Igbo extraction has either made some selfish politicians richer or attracted acrimony for their kits and kin. If the Igbo become strong rooted in Nigeria economy, the nation would come begging Ndigbo to produce a Nigeria Presidency.
Our focus for now should be on economic viability and social development of the South-East. Ohanaeze should be able to resolve the flight of Igbo youths to other parts of the country and redirect their attention to investing in the East. Jobs should be created so that the young people do not just walk out from their land to Lagos or Abuja in search of jobs.
It is perhaps here that every effort should be made to make sure that South-East Nigeria Economic Commission (SENEC) succeeds. All hands must be on deck to make the ailing industries in Nnewi, Onitsha, Aba, Enugu, Nkalagu and parts of Igboland functional. They should be revitalized and agriculture practiced in large mechanized manner.
Though Ohanaeze is not a government institution that receives monthly allocation, it enjoys acceptability of all Igbo as a traditional body and has more repect than the present dissected states of Igbo nation.
Ohanaeze would have to pursue or urge the state governments into having common economic agenda, using especially a platform like SENEC.
Source: Vanguard, 3rd March 2009.
Ohanaeze Plans Relocation Of Secretariat From Enugu
From Lawrence Njoku, Enugu
The crisis in the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, over the position of secretary general of the group, assumed a new twist yesterday, as the new leadership of the organisation plans to relocate its secretariat from Enugu State.
It was gathered that the plan to relocate the secretariat of the organisation from Enugu was borne out of the desire to reposition it to enable it serve the overall interests of Ndigbo, coupled with the recent threats to the existence of the organisation by members of a political group in Enugu state.
It was further gathered that the continued operation of the group from its national secretariat in Enugu has come under serious threat since its leadership failed to recognise Prince Richard Ozobu as secretary general after a series of pressure from the state government that he (Ozobu) was its preferred candidate for the position.
Rather, the leadership had on Friday in Awka sworn in Chief Nduka Eya, described as an "enemy of government" to the position, a development said to have taken the state government by surprise.
A reliable source told The Guardian at the Ohanaeze secretariat in Enugu yesterday that the new leaders of the group were no longer comfortable "with the several incursions by some sponsored persons into the secretariat", adding that, the development has become a major threat in the continued existence of the secretariat in Enugu.
The source referred to the "forceful invasion" of the secretariat by a group allegedly led by a Special Adviser to the governor, which on November 27 last year, met and approved the candidature of Ozobu for the position of secretary in defiance of an earlier election by the state chapter, where Chief Nduka Eya emerged as winner.
"After the action, the group had stormed the organisation's national election at Awka on November 29 and forced it to suspend the election of secretary general which was allocated to Enugu State
"The same group had also on Friday January 16, disrupted the imeobi (inner caucus) meeting of the organisation called to fine-tune plans for the inauguration of the new national executive, forcing the leaders at the meeting to relocate to another venue to hold their meeting," the source added.
He stated that the incessant incursions into the secretariat had become a source of worry to the leadership of the organisation, adding that the new thinking was to "pave way for peace as well as ensure that the constitution was not tampered in any way".
The source said that though the Enugu governor, Sullivan Chime, had always denied involvement in the several incursions made by the group loyal to his administration at the secretariat, he might not have forgotten the role played by some new leaders of the organisation during the governorship tribunal sitting in Enugu. Eya, for one, testified against him.
It was further gathered that last Friday when the group led by Ozobu arrived in Awka and discovered that Eya had been recognised and sworn in as the new Secretary General of Ohanaeze, they vowed not to allow the group have access to the secretariat any longer.
The source added: "We cannot continue to be threatened because somebody wants government interest protected outside our constitution. We have do abide by our constitution to the latter and that is why we won't give up.
"Some people have told us that the secretariat belongs to Enugu and that was why they did not obtain permission from the managers of the people before invading it to hold a purported election or come into it anyhow. It is sad and the height of ignorance," the source added.
It could be recalled that the contention between factions in Enugu State over the preferred candidate for secretary between Eya and Ozobu, made the national leadership hold down the election into that position during the national election last year.
It added: "We don't need to be in Enugu to run the affairs of Ohanaeze and that is why we are not bothered about the recent attack on the leadership by some group in Enugu state. We believe that they are enjoying support of government and that is why nobody cares to call them to order. But we have alternative and that is what we intend to do."
The national secretariat, which is bereft of modern facilities, was donated to the organisation by the administration of Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo in 1991. Since then, no effort has been made to renovate the structures at the place.
Efforts made to reach the new leadership of the organisation on the development yesterday proved abortive, as none of the leaders could respond to calls on their mobile phones.
Source: The Guardian, 25th February 2009.
Ohaneze: The Body Should Be Self-funding And Independent Of Government's Interference - Okorie
Chekwas Okorie founder of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) was the youngest member of Elders' Council of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the Pan-Igbo socio-political organisation. He spoke to SAMSON EZEA on the emergence of the new leadership of the organisation, the crisis over who should be its national scribe and other sundry issues.
How do you see the emergence of Chief Ralph Uwechue as new President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, considering where he comes from and the situation in the organization before he took over?
THE emergence of Chief Ralph Uwechue as President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo is like a breath of fresh air. It is a development which every well- meaning Igbo person has given his or her support. There is a high expectation that he has the experience, the maturity, the intellectual capacity and the exposure that will equip him to re-focus the pan -Igbo organization on the path of serving the interest of Ndigbo especially in the areas of unity, the promotion of the rich Igbo cultural heritage and the protection of Igbo identity in Nigeria and in the Diaspora. The part of Nigeria that Chief Uwechue comes from is rather a source of strength to Ohaneze rather than weakness. It is part of Ohaneze zoning arrangement contained in the organization's constitution to elect its President General from Anioma part of Igbo land after the turn of Anambra State in alphabetical order. It will be recalled that Dr. Dozie Ikedife the immediate past President General of Ohaneze who is from Anambra State succeeded Prof J.O Irukwu who is from Abia State. By complying with the provision of Ohaneze constitution, the Igbo people of Anioma are now convinced beyond any doubt that they are as much Igbo as any other in spite of insinuation to the contrary by mischief- makers. It goes to follow also that at sometime in the future the Igbo people of Rivers State should equally provide leadership for the entire Igbo nation in Nigeria and in the Diaspora.
Do you agree that his emergence marks a new beginning in the organization?
As I mentioned above there is high expectation by Ndigbo that Chief Uwechue's leadership shall be a watershed in the chequered history of the Igbo people after the end of the Nigerian civil war. The extent he succeeds will depend on his ability to rise to the demands of the office and the extent the various forces in Igbo nation cooperate with him. He has a very challenging assignment on his hand. Ndigbo have never been more disunited as they are as at this time. They appear to be pulling on different directions at the same time. His ability to reach out to the major stakeholders and the contending forces to achieve a reasonable measure of cohesion and unity will determine to a large extent the level of success the executive of Ohaneze under his leadership will record within a short un-renewable tenure of two years.
What do you think are the challenges before the new leadership of the organization?
In addition to what I said above, the other challenge that will immediately confront the new leadership of Ohaneze is being able to establish a respectable, independent, bold, courageous and self sustaining pan -Igbo organization. The Ohanaeze that will command the loyalty and followership of Ndigbo must be seen to be honest, transparent and non-partisan in the leadership that it provides and the position it takes on issues that concern Ndigbo. It is important to recognize the fact that Ndigbo are domicile in different parts of Nigeria in large numbers. In this regard an Ohanaeze leadership that is docile, and stationed at its National Secretariat at Enugu without moving out as occasion demands to interact with Ndigbo at their different locations in Nigeria will not be satisfactory.
Do you think that the new leadership has what it takes to checkmate the overbearing influence of politicians and government in the affairs of the organization?
It will require tremendous amount of leadership sagacity, maturity and savvy to extricate Ohanaeze from the stranglehold of politicians and governments especially at the state level. I was vehement in my opposition against government involvement in the affairs of Ohanaeze.
The argument against my position was that the governments that controlled the Igbo speaking areas were necessary facilitators in the area of providing funds to the organization. Shortly after this robust debate at the Elders Council where I have been member for a long time, the leadership of Ohaneze under the leadership of Eze Ozobu as President General and Professor Ben. Nwabueze as Secretary General approached the Governors of the five Igbo States to nominate the State Executive members of Ohaneze. By that singular act Ohaneze lost its independence and freedom of expression. When it was time to elect a new national executive of Ohaneze according to the provision of its adopted constitution which prescribes the rotation of the President General of Ohaneze in alphabetical order, the Abia State Ohaneze was required to nominate three candidates for election where multiple candidates aspired for the office of President General. Naturally the Executive members of Abia State Ohaneze who were practically appointed by the Abia State government reverted to their sponsors. And by some manipulations that saw to the disqualification of a renowned Professor and a retired Admiral of the Nigerian Navy, Professor J.O. Irukwu emerged as the President General of Ohaneze having been endorsed by the Government of Abia State at the time. Using the same style the Anioma people put forward Chief Joe Achuzie as Secretary General and all the remaining states filled their own slots in the National Executive with officers approved by their State governments. Since all the state governments at that time were of the People Democratic Party (PDP) Ohaneze unwittingly returned to the dark days of the Second Republic when Dr. Azikwe pulled out of the organization.
Many Igbos believe that Ohanaeze has failed the people. Do you agree?
Ohanaeze cannot be described as a total failure. However it has not met with the high expectations of Ndigbo. Let me recall that during the sitting of the Oputa Panel, Ohanaeze presented the Igbo position in a manner that impressed Igbo people and attracted to the organization the admiration and respect of Nigerians. The leadership provided by Justice Eze Ozobu was quite purposeful but the occasional power tussle between him and Professor Ben Nwabueze, the then Secretary General affected the quality of leadership of the organization most of that period. But with the involvement of Governors who were all of the PDP extraction, Ohanaeze completely derailed. The open support of the third term agenda during the Joe Irukwu era was like a coup disgrace to Ndigbo. Ohanaeze degenerated to its lowest ebb.
There has been crisis over who will be Secretary General of the organization between Prince Richard Ozobu allegedly supported by Enugu State Governor Sullivan Chime and Chief Nduka Eya. What is your position on that as you recently witnessed the chaos that marred IMEOBI caucus over the issue recently in Enugu?
The controversy over who should be the Secretary General of Ohanaeze which was zoned to Enugu State is unnecessary. Any person who has followed my narrative in this interview will see the connection between the State Executive of Ohaneze in the various states and their state governments. For the office of the President General, the people of Anioma met and proposed Chief Ralph Uwechue as their sole nominee and their wish was respected. Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State witnessed the election of the national election of Ohaneze at Awka and the national officers from Abia State are those endorsed by his government. The National Officers from Imo and Ebonyi States were also endorsed by their Governments in accordance with the present tradition. The Enugu State Executive of Ohaneze practically appointed by the State Government according to the recent tradition of the Ohaneze proposed Prince Richard Ozobu a member of the Elders Council of Ohanaeze as their nominee for the Office of Secretary General. I do not see any reason why the out-going leadership of Ohaneze that supervised the election should not extend to Enugu State Ohanaeze the same consideration that was accorded the other States, including Anioma and Rivers. I am not impressed by the argument of those who are opposed to Prince Ozobu's emergence as Secretary General. When I was over-ruled in the involvement of government in the affairs of Ohaneze, the argument against my view was that Ohaneze needed the support of government for funding. Enugu State Government is the permanent host and landlord of the Ohaneze National Secretariat. To over-rule Enugu State Ohaneze on the important issue of filling the slot of Secretary General zoned to the State will be laying a dangerous foundation for an incoming Executive that requires everybody's cooperation to succeed.
Source: The Guardian, 25th February 2009.
Ohanaeze's task in charting new identity for Ndigbo
From Lawrence Njoku, Enugu
THE new national executive of the Igbo apex organisation, he Ohanaeze Ndigbo has been challenged to reposition Ndigbo towards ensuring that they maintain their place in the main stream of Nigeria politics.
In his valedictory speech at the inauguration of the new executive in Awka, Anambra State, the organisation's outgoing President General, Dr Dozie Ikedife said the challenge of uniting Ndigbo worldwide was should be taken seriously.
Ikedife said that Ndigbo, as citizens of the largest nation in the Africa, appreciates peace and unity and would continue to uphold that in the quest of carrying out their legitimate business in any part of the country.
He said that although Ndigbo, more than any other tribe in the country, felt at home in any part anywhere in Nigeria, there should be parity of states within the geopolitical zones and that a sixth state should be created in the South East.
He said: "We resent the lack of federal amenities in our area, the despair of federal roads, and the discriminatory allocation of appointments and resources." He said that the challenge therefore, was for the new leadership to believe in the position of Ohanaeze that, "the Nigerian economy will not be diversified nor will there be property until the constitution is reviewed to provide for six or eight federating units."
He restated the position of Ohanaeze on electoral reforms to the fact that existing electoral laws and the strict sanctioning of electoral offenders are the ways to transform the quality of governance in the nation.
On the internal politics of the South East, he said that the task was for the new leadership to take control of politics, organise and empower the town unions to defend democracy at the grassroots. He stressed that town unions should be the fourth tier of government fully capable at their level of giving strategic direction to economic development and electoral practice in the communities. In this regard, he talked on Igbo economy, which he said is being revitalised through the South East Nigeria Economic Commission, a joint venture between state governments, private sectors and Igbo communities to promote economic and social development in the state. He asked the new leadership to buy into it.
The new leadership may be mapping out its strategies after an enlarged inaugural meeting at Ogwashi Uku, in Delta State where far-reaching decisions on how to advance the cause of Ndigbo were reached.
All members of the executive attended.
The Secretary General of the organisation, Chief Nduka Eya told The Guardian in Enugu that the collective enthusiasm was an indication that none was ready to be part of any acrimony that could send the zone backward in the affairs of the country.
According to him, the meeting viewed that Ndigbo had not lagged behind following discords and personal quest for lucre. The President General Ambassador Raph Uwechue lamented the infiltration from outside that has become the major problem confronting the development of Igboland.
Eya said: "Never again will the organisation be used by politicians to feather their nest. Never again should we allow any person or group to use the name of Ohanaeze to foment trouble. All these we have tried and allowed to happen in the past and they never paid us any good. Rather, it created so much disunity, discord and infighting. It is our desire to nip it in the bud and move the organisation to play her role as socio-cultural organisation and not a political grouping."
According to him, the organisation would soon unfold a blue print on how to reorganise the state affiliations to enable them play their constitutional roles in the communities by galvanising "our people into doing that which is in line with the culture and tradition of Igbo person."
He said that Ndigbo has for long been on the receiving end by allowing themselves to be used by others in political matters.
"But what we see is a situation where our people are used to divide us. We are kept in a position where we have nothing to offer, we cannot speak for our people for fear of losing our jobs. It is our view that we will champion the cause of our people. We have noted the near impassible roads, lack of adequate federal presence, decay of infrastructure and others. We intend to do is to keep our house first in order," Eya said.
To reconcile all divergent interests in the organisation and present a united front, Eya said that the meeting agreed to meet with members with divergent views to make them realise that development would continue to be distorted in Igboland unless the zone spoke with one voice. According to him, achieving the set goals of the organisation required the full support of everyone.
Eya said that another priority was how to return Igbo language, culture and tradition and work towards regaining the zone's lost identity while imbibing foreign culture.
That move towards recapturing the lost identity and culture of Ndigbo became real at the weekend when leaders of the zone gathered in Enugu to celebrate the first Igbo Culture and Civilisation using the Prof. Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart.
Ohanaeze led other Igbo organisations to the three-day event, which was held at the OfuObi Cultural and Arts Centre, Enugu. Others are the Catholic Institute for Development, Justice and Peace (CIDJAP), Conference of Democratic Scholars (CODES), Izu Umunne in Jos, Plateau State, Ndigbo Lagos, Aka Ikenga, Igbo Studies Association USA and Whelan Research Academy, Owerri.
Those who spoke at the event including Prof Laz Ekwueme, Uwechue, Prof Uzodinma Nwala, Prof Richard Okafor, and Prof Emeka Okpala among others. The Director of CIDJAP Prof Obiora Ike, told The Guardian that despite all that have been said about Igbo culture, that Achebe's book, which has been acknowledged as an 'exceptional piece" portrays the "uniqueness and beauty of Igbo nay Africa."
He said, "I would say that the Igbo nation is ancient. It is rich in value, in history in ethnology and in culture. The African people did not have much in terms of written tradition. They have a long-term established oral tradition. Often times in the past, African history, Nigerian history, Igbo history was written by others and our voices were only listened to by interpreters. Achebe was the first who wrote a history, a literature piece telling the Igbo story as an Igbo and a Nigerian within the context of Nigerian history with Things Fall Apart.
"What we are, our essence, our ambition, our life style and that book come within the context you might say, of modernity and antiquity. Achebe sees in the British poet Yeats, the epitome of the drama that happened in Africa, in Nigeria on Igbo territory as a result of colonial incursion. Achebe therefore reflected the verse "the center cannot hold, things fall apart, mere anarchy be loosened upon the world." This is the background that drives us."
Ike, a former Vicar General of the Catholic Diocese of Enugu, said the coming together, which would also be replicated in other states of the zone including Delta and Rivers was a way of ensuring that "our sons and daughters, whether they are politicians, church leaders, academics, traders, men and women including the youth, all can come together to celebrate our culture. We are focusing on artworks, visual arts, drama, poetry, songs, music including masquerade, all these interlocking within a framework where the correct questions of governance, politics, social studies, history and gender are asked and answered.
Stressing that a people or tribe without culture was a lost tribe, he said, "culture is the entire way of life of a people, culture is the language, religion, artifacts, culture, habits, clothing, signs and symbols, dance and music. When we say culture is the entire life of a people, we understand culture as a fundamental structure; every other thing comes under it. Culture is important, it is relevant; it transmits to us about the past, present and continuity in future."
He said that Ohanaeze Ndigbo had begun well by showing full support to ensure that the programme was observed. He added that observing the event annually would help change the orientation and negative views the people hold about their identity.
Ike noted that Ndigbo lost their culture through colonialism when they invaded the territory and "tried to replace our fundamental values like language and dressing mode and our way of life. Their efforts took its toll on our psyche and in the way we look at ourselves."
Indeed, it is new dawn in Igboland and if promises of a better tomorrow by her leaders were anything to go by, then, the Igbo would once again bounce back to reckoning.
Source: The Guardian, 19th February 2009.
Ohanaeze and the future of Igbo institutions
A press statement released Monday February 9, 2009 by the Igbo group, Ndigbo Lagos on the initial controversy on the nomination by the Enugu State chapter of the Ohanaeze of a secretary general for the National Executive Council of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo. The NEC, led by Ambassador Raph Uwechue was sworn in on Friday January 30.
OVER the past few weeks we have watched the unfolding drama of the question of who from Enugu State becomes the Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo. Though we had expected this to be quietly resolved without the excesses we have witnessed recently, it has not been, hence the need to make this statement.
At the heart of this confusion is the attempt to truncate Constitutionality and uphold the rascality of oppression. We stand against that and pitch our tents firmly for the defense of our Constitution and Institutions
Ndigbo Lagos has over the years remained non-partisan over issues that concern Ndigbo, and have demonstrated this in various ways, most especially in the provision of un-dented leadership in areas often neglected by most: Standing for the Truth! Ohanaeze has firmly wrested on Constitutionality and we hope it remains the same.
Ohanaeze is a multipurpose platform for addressing Igbo questions and has over the years striven, even if with difficulty, to stand up for our people. In the last five years it became much politicised thanks to Prof. Joe Irukwu's and Chief Joe Achuzia's insensitivity and misapplication of the trust given to them by Ndigbo. We are not unmindful that external influence played a major factor in that.
When they took us through the wrong turn, it appeared as if none would ever speak up for Ndigbo again; Ndigbo Lagos came in to fill the gap, like they have done countless times. It was the process of standing up for Ndigbo, which led to the emergence of Dr. Dozie Ikedife, who if history is any guide, would be vindicated for upholding the Constitution of Ohanaeze, and faithfully seeing through a process that has brought in the present eminently credible leadership of Ohanaeze under Ambassador Raph Uwechue.
Up till the very week of the election, some of those who now strive to lead Ndigbo, or influence who does that, continued in their negative penchant for insulting the leadership of the institution they now crave to lead. They have maintained and carried out multiple anti Igbo actions including debasing our Constitution, Institutions and most brazenly our Values. They have proved by their antecedents that they do not possess the right kind of character Ndigbo can trust in the management of their affairs, and hence should not even aspire to be in the Ohanaeze National Executive.
We have heard a variety of arguments including some people purporting and pretending to be 'a candidate of the Governor of Enugu State'. This has been denied both by the Governor and his aides. Besides, even if someone stands as the nominated candidate of the Governor of a State, it does not translate to a justification to force such candidacy upon Ndigbo. States may have had candidates elected, who may have been favoured by their Governors, even if this were true, does tacit support by a Governor translate to suitability or electability? And who says that the Governors, who are Ohanaeze members, cannot lend their voices in nominating the candidates, but the final decision lies on the General assembly to choose such person.
Without any shadow of doubt, we commend the very good job the Governor of Enugu State is doing and welcome also the dignified manner in which he has tried to approach the issues of governance in the state. Those trying to use his name or associate him with their anti-Igbo activities and actions are surely on their own and would fail.
At the heart of these problems lies the rascality of the few who are determined to impose themselves on us. It sing-posts the deeper question of the collapse of values that have been bastardized and thus threatens to destroy every attempt at building and nurturing strong Institutions amongst Ndigbo. We would not be fooled again and would not allow our moral right to good leadership be jeopardized again by a handful of thugs posing as Igbo leaders, and pretending to be supported by a state Governor or even in time past by federal might.
The Executive
There is no question of where we stand on the matter. Ndigbo had by electing and swearing in the following: Ambassador Raph Uwechue (President, Anioma, Delta State); Chief Nduka Eya, (Secretary, Enugu State), Chief Eddy Onuoha (Deputy Secretary, Imo State), Chief Garry Emwo-igariwey (Vice President, Ebonyi State), Chief Alozie Nwogu (Vice President Abia), Barr. Hyacinth Nweke, (Vice President, Anambra), Chief Chris Asoluka, (Vice President, Imo) Chief Isaac Wonwu, (Vice President, Rivers State), Chief Enechi Onyia (Vice President, Enugu), Chief Elder E. O. Okparanta (National Treasurer Abia) Elder Nweke Anyigor (National Financial Secretary, Ebonyi), Chief Ralph Ndigwe (National Publicity Secretary, Anambra) Chief Barr. Reuben Okoro (National Legal Adviser, Imo) Barr. Elder Oyibo Chukwu (Asst. National Legal Adviser, Enugu) Barr. I. O. Ahize (Asst. National Treasurer, Anambra), Barr. Ifeanyi Olunkwa (Asst. Publicity Secretary, Abia), Chief Emmanuel Ajoku Alariche (Asst. National Financial Secretary, Rivers), Dr. T. N. Atanmo (State chairman Anambra), Chief Chimkwe Ndimele, (Chairman, Abia), Dr. J. B. Okolle (Chairman, Imo), Chief Augustine Ogbonna (Chairman, Ebonyi), and Chief Obi Emeka Nwaka (Chairman, Anioma), as the National Executive Council, in Awka, by Justice Ononiba, on Friday January 30, 2009 made a good turn. We stand by that and warn that those who think Ndigbo would shy away from fighting head on this time around to have a rethink. All those who think they can take us for granted and continue rubbishing Ndigbo would meet with firm and honest opposition, and we assure them that their brazen attitudes would not go unchecked and would be countered.
Our Pitch
We do not take it lightly that over the years, all over Igboland, not a few rascals, charlatans, mediocrities and self-seeking men and women have taken over our land and its values and Institutions and appropriated it as if it were their own. This ought to stop and must stop!
To the Uwechue team, we reiterate our support and commitment to the task you have been entrusted with on our behalf and urge you to go on without fear of intimidation to carry them out. To Ndigbo everywhere, we urge you to rise up and defend that which belongs to all of us. We cannot shy away from our duties and responsibilities, one of which is to stand by the Uwechue team today.
The values we have all shared and the Institutions we all have will be upheld by us. Ofo na Ogu awaits anyone, from within or outside who works against the Igbo ethos. In our watch, Igbo values, Institutions and Ethos would be upheld.
This we Chief Chris Ezeh (President), Prof. Anya O. Anya (Vice President), Chief Anthony Idigbe (Secretary), Admiral Allison Madueke (Executive member), Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (Executive member), Dr. Chijoke Kanu (Abia State President), Chief Emma Anyadike (Anambra state President), Engr. Victor Amorha (Enugu State President) Chief. Emma Ohakwe (Imo State President)
Chief Dr. Sylvan Ebigwei (President Aka Ikenga), Igwe Laz Ekwueme, Dr. Uma Eleazu and Chief Dave Nwachukwu on behalf of Ndigbo Lagos, stand for and would urge Ndigbo everywhere to pitch in.
Source: The Guardian, 11th February 2009.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo demands creation of 6th South-East state
••• As Uwechue takes over leadership
From GEOFFREY ANYANWU, Awka
Apex Igbo socio- cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo at the weekend insisted that time for creation of one additional state in the South-East geo-political zone to bring the zone at par with other zones of the federation was now, warning that any attempt to further delay it would amount to intentional denial of the right of Ndigbo.
The immediate past President General of the organization, Dr Dozie Ikedife who made the statment in his valedictory speech at the inauguration of the new Ohanaeze leadership elected last year at the Women Development Centre, Awka, said the South-East stood for justice and fair play.
The new executive of Ohanaeze Ndigbo is led by Ambassdor Ralph Uwechue who hails from Anioma in Delta State. His election was done in accordance with the organization's rotation of presidency policy and the decision that Anioma would produce the president after Ikedife.
Many had, however, wanted Ikedife to continue because of his leadership qualities but he declined, insisting that the constitution of Ohanaeze did not have room for second tenure and must be adhered to strictly.
He said:"We demand that there should be parity of states within the geo-political zones and that the sixth state promised to the South-East zone should now be created. We resent the lack of federal amenities in our area, disrepair of federal roads and the discriminatory allocation of appointments and resources. Our country should make us proud if justice and equity prevail."
Ikedife, however, called on Ndigbo to take seriously the creation of the South-East Nigeria Economic Commission, which is a joint venture partnership between state governments, private sector operators and Igbo communities to promote economic and social development in the zone.
The commission, he said, enjoyed the support of Ohanaeze Ndigbo because it was planned to be the beginning of a new economic order in Igboland.
In his acceptance speech, the new President General, Amb. Uwechue said time had come when Ndigbo should work for the upliftment of their legitimate interest.
He assured that his administration would strive hard to establish self confidence in the Igbo people, stressing that "nobody will deter the new executive from performing their duties, neither will they be frightened by anybody."
Ndigbo, he advised, should put doubt behind them and work for the future, adding that the legacies of his predecessor on whom he showered praises, would be kept alive.
Also speaking, National Chairman of the Inauguration Committee, Chief Chris Okoye advocated an Ohanaeze Ndigbo that would once more become the coordinating council of the civil society organizations and concept of the people in Igboland.
He said,"Ohanaeze will become the foundation upon which a disciplined, modern day democracy will rise in Igboland."
Chairman on the occasion and Dean, Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, Archbishop Maxwell Anikwenwa blamed the problem of Ndigbo on their extreme republicanism and urged them to come together and work as one family in the overall interest of the Igbo race, adding that if that was done Igboland would be a greater challenge to the Nigerian nation.
Source: Sun, 2nd February 2009.
Restructure Nigeria, Ohanaeze Tells FG
By Emmanuel Nzomiwu,Reporter, Enugu
Group Politics Editor of Independent Newspapers Limited (INL), Sunny Igboanugo; and distinguished Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mike Ahamba; were among eminent Igbo men who were awarded certificates of recognition by the pan Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo for their contributions to the cause of the Igbo nation.
Others who were recognised include Chief Enechi Onyia (SAN), Sir Chris Okoye, Prof. Ben Obumselu and newly-inaugurated Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nduka Eya.
Outgoing President General of Ohanaeze, Dr. Dozie Ikedife, presented certificates to these personalities at the weekend during the handing over ceremony of Ohanaeze Ndigbo at Awka, Anambra State.
Delivering his valedictory address titled 'The Ethnic Group and the Nation', Ikedife thanked the entire Ndigbo for electing him to the high office and supporting him whole-heartedly during the difficult years of his tenure.
In the address that contained some parting words to his successor, Ambassador Ralph Uwaechue, he noted that the presidency of Ohanaeze is ideally a full-time job, though people do not appreciate fully what it entails presiding at Imeobi (inner caucus) meetings, National Executive Committee meetings and several other committee meetings.
The Igbo patriot recalled that the last two years under his reign were exceptionally difficult characterised by problems, some of which arose from the way the 2003 election was conducted.
According to him, in some South East states, the people knew which parties won election but did not know who their candidates were while the Houses of Assembly were torn by factional conflicts between Abuja men and local men.
Also recalling that the tenure of the Governors was always in danger, Ikedife noted that Senate presidents of Igbo extraction were also liable to step on banana peels, all being manoeuvrings of the imperial presidency in Abuja which wanted to take personal control of politics in Igboland.
Pointing out that Ohanaeze believes in justice and equity in the country, he demanded that there should be parity of states among the geo-political zones and that South East gets a sixth state to bring it at par with other zones that have at least six states each, though one has seven.
Ikedife regretted that Nigeria became a federation only in name but a unitary state in reality, where economically, it narrowed the perspective of government from many development issues which regional issues used to address to petroleum only.
"Ohanaeze Ndigbo is convinced that the Nigerian economy will not be diversified until the constitution is reviewed to provide for six or eight federating units," he said.
Source: Daily Independent, 1st February 2009.
Ohanaeze Plans Relocation Of Secretariat From Enugu
From Lawrence Njoku, Enugu
The crisis in the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, over the position of secretary general of the group, assumed a new twist yesterday, as the new leadership of the organisation plans to relocate its secretariat from Enugu State.
It was gathered that the plan to relocate the secretariat of the organisation from Enugu was borne out of the desire to reposition it to enable it serve the overall interests of Ndigbo, coupled with the recent threats to the existence of the organisation by members of a political group in Enugu state.
It was further gathered that the continued operation of the group from its national secretariat in Enugu has come under serious threat since its leadership failed to recognise Prince Richard Ozobu as secretary general after a series of pressure from the state government that he (Ozobu) was its preferred candidate for the position.
Rather, the leadership had on Friday in Awka sworn in Chief Nduka Eya, described as an "enemy of government" to the position, a development said to have taken the state government by surprise.
A reliable source told The Guardian at the Ohanaeze secretariat in Enugu yesterday that the new leaders of the group were no longer comfortable "with the several incursions by some sponsored persons into the secretariat", adding that, the development has become a major threat in the continued existence of the secretariat in Enugu.
The source referred to the "forceful invasion" of the secretariat by a group allegedly led by a Special Adviser to the governor, which on November 27 last year, met and approved the candidature of Ozobu for the position of secretary in defiance of an earlier election by the state chapter, where Chief Nduka Eya emerged as winner.
"After the action, the group had stormed the organisation's national election at Awka on November 29 and forced it to suspend the election of secretary general which was allocated to Enugu State
"The same group had also on Friday January 16, disrupted the imeobi (inner caucus) meeting of the organisation called to fine-tune plans for the inauguration of the new national executive, forcing the leaders at the meeting to relocate to another venue to hold their meeting," the source added.
He stated that the incessant incursions into the secretariat had become a source of worry to the leadership of the organisation, adding that the new thinking was to "pave way for peace as well as ensure that the constitution was not tampered in any way".
The source said that though the Enugu governor, Sullivan Chime, had always denied involvement in the several incursions made by the group loyal to his administration at the secretariat, he might not have forgotten the role played by some new leaders of the organisation during the governorship tribunal sitting in Enugu. Eya, for one, testified against him.
It was further gathered that last Friday when the group led by Ozobu arrived in Awka and discovered that Eya had been recognised and sworn in as the new Secretary General of Ohanaeze, they vowed not to allow the group have access to the secretariat any longer.
The source added: "We cannot continue to be threatened because somebody wants government interest protected outside our constitution. We have do abide by our constitution to the latter and that is why we won't give up.
"Some people have told us that the secretariat belongs to Enugu and that was why they did not obtain permission from the managers of the people before invading it to hold a purported election or come into it anyhow. It is sad and the height of ignorance," the source added.
It could be recalled that the contention between factions in Enugu State over the preferred candidate for secretary between Eya and Ozobu, made the national leadership hold down the election into that position during the national election last year.
It added: "We don't need to be in Enugu to run the affairs of Ohanaeze and that is why we are not bothered about the recent attack on the leadership by some group in Enugu state. We believe that they are enjoying support of government and that is why nobody cares to call them to order. But we have alternative and that is what we intend to do."
The national secretariat, which is bereft of modern facilities, was donated to the organisation by the administration of Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo in 1991. Since then, no effort has been made to renovate the structures at the place.
Efforts made to reach the new leadership of the organisation on the development yesterday proved abortive, as none of the leaders could respond to calls on their mobile phones.
Source: Guardian, 1st February 2009.
Ohaneze: The Body Should Be Self-funding And Independent Of Government's Interference - Okorie
Chekwas Okorie founder of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) was the youngest member of Elders' Council of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the Pan-Igbo socio-political organisation. He spoke to SAMSON EZEA on the emergence of the new leadership of the organisation, the crisis over who should be its national scribe and other sundry issues.
How do you see the emergence of Chief Ralph Uwechue as new President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, considering where he comes from and the situation in the organization before he took over?
THE emergence of Chief Ralph Uwechue as President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo is like a breath of fresh air. It is a development which every well- meaning Igbo person has given his or her support. There is a high expectation that he has the experience, the maturity, the intellectual capacity and the exposure that will equip him to re-focus the pan -Igbo organization on the path of serving the interest of Ndigbo especially in the areas of unity, the promotion of the rich Igbo cultural heritage and the protection of Igbo identity in Nigeria and in the Diaspora. The part of Nigeria that Chief Uwechue comes from is rather a source of strength to Ohaneze rather than weakness. It is part of Ohaneze zoning arrangement contained in the organization's constitution to elect its President General from Anioma part of Igbo land after the turn of Anambra State in alphabetical order. It will be recalled that Dr. Dozie Ikedife the immediate past President General of Ohaneze who is from Anambra State succeeded Prof J.O Irukwu who is from Abia State. By complying with the provision of Ohaneze constitution, the Igbo people of Anioma are now convinced beyond any doubt that they are as much Igbo as any other in spite of insinuation to the contrary by mischief- makers. It goes to follow also that at sometime in the future the Igbo people of Rivers State should equally provide leadership for the entire Igbo nation in Nigeria and in the Diaspora.
Do you agree that his emergence marks a new beginning in the organization?
As I mentioned above there is high expectation by Ndigbo that Chief Uwechue's leadership shall be a watershed in the chequered history of the Igbo people after the end of the Nigerian civil war. The extent he succeeds will depend on his ability to rise to the demands of the office and the extent the various forces in Igbo nation cooperate with him. He has a very challenging assignment on his hand. Ndigbo have never been more disunited as they are as at this time. They appear to be pulling on different directions at the same time. His ability to reach out to the major stakeholders and the contending forces to achieve a reasonable measure of cohesion and unity will determine to a large extent the level of success the executive of Ohaneze under his leadership will record within a short un-renewable tenure of two years.
What do you think are the challenges before the new leadership of the organization?
In addition to what I said above, the other challenge that will immediately confront the new leadership of Ohaneze is being able to establish a respectable, independent, bold, courageous and self sustaining pan -Igbo organization. The Ohanaeze that will command the loyalty and followership of Ndigbo must be seen to be honest, transparent and non-partisan in the leadership that it provides and the position it takes on issues that concern Ndigbo. It is important to recognize the fact that Ndigbo are domicile in different parts of Nigeria in large numbers. In this regard an Ohanaeze leadership that is docile, and stationed at its National Secretariat at Enugu without moving out as occasion demands to interact with Ndigbo at their different locations in Nigeria will not be satisfactory.
Do you think that the new leadership has what it takes to checkmate the overbearing influence of politicians and government in the affairs of the organization?
It will require tremendous amount of leadership sagacity, maturity and savvy to extricate Ohanaeze from the stranglehold of politicians and governments especially at the state level. I was vehement in my opposition against government involvement in the affairs of Ohanaeze.
The argument against my position was that the governments that controlled the Igbo speaking areas were necessary facilitators in the area of providing funds to the organization. Shortly after this robust debate at the Elders Council where I have been member for a long time, the leadership of Ohaneze under the leadership of Eze Ozobu as President General and Professor Ben. Nwabueze as Secretary General approached the Governors of the five Igbo States to nominate the State Executive members of Ohaneze. By that singular act Ohaneze lost its independence and freedom of expression. When it was time to elect a new national executive of Ohaneze according to the provision of its adopted constitution which prescribes the rotation of the President General of Ohaneze in alphabetical order, the Abia State Ohaneze was required to nominate three candidates for election where multiple candidates aspired for the office of President General. Naturally the Executive members of Abia State Ohaneze who were practically appointed by the Abia State government reverted to their sponsors. And by some manipulations that saw to the disqualification of a renowned Professor and a retired Admiral of the Nigerian Navy, Professor J.O. Irukwu emerged as the President General of Ohaneze having been endorsed by the Government of Abia State at the time. Using the same style the Anioma people put forward Chief Joe Achuzie as Secretary General and all the remaining states filled their own slots in the National Executive with officers approved by their State governments. Since all the state governments at that time were of the People Democratic Party (PDP) Ohaneze unwittingly returned to the dark days of the Second Republic when Dr. Azikwe pulled out of the organization.
Many Igbos believe that Ohanaeze has failed the people. Do you agree?
Ohanaeze cannot be described as a total failure. However it has not met with the high expectations of Ndigbo. Let me recall that during the sitting of the Oputa Panel, Ohanaeze presented the Igbo position in a manner that impressed Igbo people and attracted to the organization the admiration and respect of Nigerians. The leadership provided by Justice Eze Ozobu was quite purposeful but the occasional power tussle between him and Professor Ben Nwabueze, the then Secretary General affected the quality of leadership of the organization most of that period. But with the involvement of Governors who were all of the PDP extraction, Ohanaeze completely derailed. The open support of the third term agenda during the Joe Irukwu era was like a coup disgrace to Ndigbo. Ohanaeze degenerated to its lowest ebb.
There has been crisis over who will be Secretary General of the organization between Prince Richard Ozobu allegedly supported by Enugu State Governor Sullivan Chime and Chief Nduka Eya. What is your position on that as you recently witnessed the chaos that marred IMEOBI caucus over the issue recently in Enugu?
The controversy over who should be the Secretary General of Ohanaeze which was zoned to Enugu State is unnecessary. Any person who has followed my narrative in this interview will see the connection between the State Executive of Ohaneze in the various states and their state governments. For the office of the President General, the people of Anioma met and proposed Chief Ralph Uwechue as their sole nominee and their wish was respected. Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State witnessed the election of the national election of Ohaneze at Awka and the national officers from Abia State are those endorsed by his government. The National Officers from Imo and Ebonyi States were also endorsed by their Governments in accordance with the present tradition. The Enugu State Executive of Ohaneze practically appointed by the State Government according to the recent tradition of the Ohaneze proposed Prince Richard Ozobu a member of the Elders Council of Ohanaeze as their nominee for the Office of Secretary General. I do not see any reason why the out-going leadership of Ohaneze that supervised the election should not extend to Enugu State Ohanaeze the same consideration that was accorded the other States, including Anioma and Rivers. I am not impressed by the argument of those who are opposed to Prince Ozobu's emergence as Secretary General. When I was over-ruled in the involvement of government in the affairs of Ohaneze, the argument against my view was that Ohaneze needed the support of government for funding. Enugu State Government is the permanent host and landlord of the Ohaneze National Secretariat. To over-rule Enugu State Ohaneze on the important issue of filling the slot of Secretary General zoned to the State will be laying a dangerous foundation for an incoming Executive that requires everybody's cooperation to succeed.
Source: Guardian, 1st February 2009.
Ohanaeze exco takes oath without scribe
From Nwanosikle Onu, Awka
The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo is in serious crisis, despite the swearing-in of new executive yesterday, to pilot the affairs of the body in the next two years.
The new executive, led by Ambassador Raph Uwechue, was done without the secretary of the body.
During the election late last year, the group from Enugu State, whose duty it was to produce the secretary of Ohanaeze failed to harmonize on whom to pick as the State Government was bent on having one Richard Ozobu as the secretary from the state.
This exercise at the Women Development Centre in Awka, was delayed for so long, prompting the body to postpone the swearing in ceremony to the beginning of 2009
However, despite the controversy, the immediate past president, Dr. Dozie Ikedife who many wanted to continue with the headship of the organization went on to swear in Uwechue and his team.
He charged them to continue making sure peace reign in the zone, adding that no group or society functions without unity.
Ikedife, further told them in his address not to allow political sentiments to divide the body, adding that Ndigbo held the present team in high esteem.
Ambassador, Raph Uwechue, in his speech in Igbo language, promised to bring the people of the zone together, adding that it was a big honour asking him to lead an organization like Ohaneze Ndigbo.
Source: Nation, 1st February 2009.
Fresh crisis rocks Ohanaeze over choice of Sec-Gen
A fresh crisis yesterday rocked the pan Igbo socio cultural umbrella body, Ohanaeze Ndigbo.This time it is the choice of the national secretary which was specifically zoned to Enugu.
Members of the Enugu State chapter stormed the National Secretariat of the organization in Enugu to foil what they saw as an attempt by the outgoing President-General, Dr Dozie Ikedife to name a new Secretary General other than Prince Richard Ozobu who was said to have been elected last November.
Ikedife had refused to announce Ozobu's election at the National Congress of the organization in Awka last year that also produced Ambassador Ralph Uwechue as his successor, claiming that the issue was unresolved because another group from Enugu had put forward Mr Nduka Eya as their candidate for the position.
Ikedife had summoned a meeting of the Imeobi - the second highest decision making body of the organisation to 'resolve' the tussle. The Enugu chapter believed that the meeting which they said was beyond Ikedife's powers to convene, was a ploy to endorse Eya as the new secretary General .
After a protracted argument, Ikedife asked the Imeobi members to retire to a smaller hall so that the meeting would commence. It was however, not to be as the Ohanaeze leader's attempt to exclude the delegates presented by the state chapter was stoutly resisted.
The chapter, while insisting that the delegates were legitimate also counter-accused him of admitting non members and when the situation became very rowdy, Ikedife left. He declined making any statement.
Addressing newsmen on the development in Enugu, chairman of the organization, Sir O.A.U Onyema accused Ikedife of illegally trying to change the results of an election which he had organised himself and even sent representatives to supervise.
He insisted that there was no going back on the election which, apart from Prince Ozobu, also produced Engineer Dons Ude and Barrister Michael Nwakife as National Vice President and Assistant National Legal Adviser respectively.
He explained that the Chapter was granted the right to fill the position courtesy of a zoning arrangement adopted by the organization last year.
Source: Nation, 17th January 2009.
Mob Sacks Ohanaeze Caucus Meeting In Enugu
From Lawrence Njoku, Enugu and Samson Ezea, Lagos
A TELLING tale of our time it is. The Irish poet W.B. Yeats captures it aptly in his classic piece, "The Second Coming", inspiring a peerless tale from the heart of Igboland: "things fall apart; the centre cannot hold/mere anarchy is loosed upon the world...
Indeed, the "ceremony of innocence" was "drowned" as "the best lack all conviction" while "the worst" were "full of passionate intensity" yesterday.
How? Well, with a youthful but fierce-looking mob invading the gathering of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze, disrupting the elders' Imeobi (Inner Caucus) meeting at its National Secretariat in Enugu!
The modus operandi of yesterday's dissonance was similar to the bedlam that led to the disruption of the 2008 Igbo Day celebration last year in Enugu. The mob, alleged to be enjoying the support of the Enugu State branch of the Ohanaeze, stormed the organisation's secretariat brandishing dangerous objects and insisting on the adoption of Mr. Richard Ozobu as the group's Secretary-General or no meeting.
Out-going President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Dozie Ikedife, who had called the meeting and some other members of the Imeobi, narrowly escaped being lynched as the angry mob flung objects into the arena.
For over two hours, tension reigned at the secretariat. Some prominent Igbo leaders who witnessed the state of chaos expressed disappointment at the turn of event, saying it, as it is-another sad commentary on the affairs of the Igbo nation.
Former Minister of information, John Nnia Nwodo; founding Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chekwas Okorie; legal luminary, Enechi Onyia (SAN), and Brig. Gen. J.O.J. Okoloagu were among the leaders who got to the venue of the aborted meeting at about 3.00p.m, midway into the anarchy.
Somehow, reporters were able to catch up with Ikedife at the secretariat's entrance in full flight for dear life. But the attempt to have a few words with him was swiftly and violently truncated by the mob, which pushed all on its way aside, making for the president-general. The interviewee needed no further prompting before making good his escape in his waiting vehicle.
Ikedife confirmed that the mob chased away members of the Imeobi who arrived for the meeting and that the mobsters claimed to be holding a state meeting of the Ohanaeze.
Although Onyia, who witnessed the confrontation from the start, as well as Nwodo and Okoloagu did not support disrupting the Imeobi meeting, Okorie, who spoke with reporters before the chaos, supported the action.
The crux of the matter has been the issue of who in Enugu State occupies the post of general secretary zoned to the state. It could be recalled that when the general election of the Ohanaeze was held in Awka, Anambra State last year, the position could not be filled owing to disagreement among members from Enugu.
Whereas the state chapter of Ohanaeze, led by Onyia, had more than three weeks to the national election produced Nduka Eya for the position, the protesting group, allegedly drawing support from the state government and led by OAU Onyema, returned to the national secretariat two days to the national election to choose Ozobu.
It was gathered that during a recent meeting of the leaders of thought of Enugu State with Governor Sullivan Chime, the matter was treated and that following the submission of elder statesman and former Governor, Chief C. C. Onoh, it was resolved that Enugu North Senatorial District where Eya comes from should be allowed to occupy the position.
Eya, who is allegedly favoured by Ikedife and his group, had testified in favour of the Labour Party (LP) candidate at the election petition tribunal against Governor Sullivan Chime, hence the state's alleged opposition to his candidacy.
Okorie who spoke with reporters before the bedlam broke out, stated that there was no way somebody opposed to the state governor would be allowed to occupy the Ohanaeze post.
He added: "My position is very clear. Ohanaeze has played into the hands of government for so long now and every effort to detach it from government has failed. In other states in the zone, the government nominated candidates who represent them in the organization, so Enugu's case should not be an exception."
Mrs. Ethel Nebo-Ezeabasili, who seemed to support the mob action, said nobody was going to prevent Governor Chime from making input in the matter and that even during the general election in Awka, she stated this many times. To her, the governor must have a say in who becomes the secretary because governors also fund the organization.
However, Onyema, who claims that he is chairman of the Ohanaeze in Enugu State told reporters that Chime had no hand in Ozobu's selection.
The Ohanaeze chieftains later met at the private residence of an Igbo leader to continue with the botched meeting where Ikedife said that he was unfazed by the skirmishes at the secretariat, describing them as "a reflection of enthusiasm that is now in Ohanaeze."
He disclosed that the meeting decided that the new executive of the Ohanaeze would take office on January 30, 2009, among other far-reaching decisions.
Source: The Guardian, 17th January 2009.
Ohanaeze asks Enugu chapter to agree on candidate for scribe
From Lawrence Njoku, Enugu
ALTHOUGH, it had asked the feuding factions in the Enugu State chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo to go and harmonise their list with a view to presenting one candidate for the position of Secretary General of the group, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, said at the weekend that it would not be intimidated in the selection of a scribe for the organisation.
It however, stated that the crisis in Enugu chapter notwithstanding, the planned inauguration of her national executives fixed for Asaba, Delta State on January 29, 2009 would go on as scheduled.
He said the Imeobi Ohanaeze, which is the highest decision making body for the group had for sometime now engaged the various interest groups in dialogue, stressing that it could be forced to over rule the state on the issue.
Outgoing President General of the association, Chief Dozie Ikedife, told The Guardian in Enugu that their decision to step down the election of Secretary General, a position allocated to Enugu State during their national election held in Awka last year was basically to allowed the contenders settle the issue amicably.
He said: "It was not out of fear nor that we don't know the truth. We know the truth and believe that some people are really out to cause trouble and confusion. We wanted them to see reasons why we cannot go into further contention because there is a constitution guiding Ohanaeze. Personally, I feel we should allow them resolve the issue, but where they fail, Ohanaeze will take a final decision."
The position of secretary general and other positions for the apex group expected to be filled by Enugu state has remained contentious for sometime now, following interests by parallel group working in the state.
While the state chapter led by Chief Enechi Onyia (SAN) had weeks before the national election of the organisation elected Chief Nduka Eya for the position, another group led by Mr. OAU Onyema had two days before the same election, approved Prince Richard Ozobu for the same position.
Thus, the national leadership had suspended the election for the positions for Enugu State following the emergence of the two lists and asked them to reconcile and forward their candidates for the inauguration.
Last week however, the two groups in separate statements in Enugu refused to shift their ground on their chosen candidate.
But reacting to the development, Ikedife said that Ohanaeze would not be cowed into doing what is unconstitutional, expressing regrets that some people were out to plunge the group into another round of crisis.
He said Ohanaeze was not a political party, adding that some of those who now want some people to be part of the new executive have never been interested in the affairs of the group and wondered on their sudden interest in a position allocated to the state.
The January 29 inauguration, Ikedife said that arrangements were in top gear, stressing that the outgoing executive would do all in her powers to enable the new leadership succeed.
He called on Ndigbo to pray for the success of the exercise, saying that the election of Ambassador Ralph Uwaechue would mark a new lexicon in the history of the zone.
Source: The Guardian, 13th January 2009.
Enugu Ohanaeze groups differ over choice of scribe
From Lawrence Njoku, Enugu
THERE may be no end yet to crisis in the Enugu State chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo over the choice of Secretary General for the apex-Igbo socio cultural organisation, following the insistence of the leadership of the groups in the state that there was no going back on the choice of their preferred candidate.
The state chapter had for sometime now been divided over Prince Richard Ozobu and Chief Nduka Eya as the preferred candidate for the position.
Following the division, the apex socio-cultural body, which held her national election in Awka in November last year, suspended the election of a secretary general, a position zoned to Enugu State, as the two groups came to the venue of the exercise branding parallel lists of candidates for the position.
While the group led by state Chairman O.A.U Onyema brought a list containing Ozobu as its preferred candidate for the position, the other group led by Ohanaeze Imeobi member, Chief Elechi Onyia (SAN) brought the name of former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Chief Nduka Eya as its chosen one.
In a statement circulated in Enugu yesterday, however, Onyema group stated that there was no going back on the choice of Ozobu as the Secretary General and urged the national leadership to inaugurate him.
According to him, apart from Ozobu, other officers elected to fill positions zoned to Enugu at the National Secretariat of the organisation, included Dons Ude (National Vice President) and Michael Nwakife (Assistant National Legal Adviser).
He said, Ozobu remains the Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo having been elected at the congress of Enugu chapter held on November 27 at the Ohanaeze National Headquarters, Enugu. In accordance with rules of the congress, two officers from the Ohanaeze National Election Committee, Dr. S.C Chiaha and Chief Ethel Nebo-Ezeabasili were in attendance as observers and forwarded their report and the election result sheet with their comments to the National Election Committee of Ohanaeze. That report stands and nobody can change it."
But the Elechi Onyia group yesterday dismissed the statement with a wave of the hand, insisting that Eya remained the elected Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in line with the constitution.
Onyia, while reacting to the statement told The Guardian on phone, that Ohanaeze was not a political party, alleging that there was a plot by some group of people to cause crisis in the group by the imposition of a candidate, who was never part of the election.
He said: "Ozobu is being used to cause trouble in Ohanaeze. We have made our choice long before he was smuggled in. Ohanaeze is not a political party for anyone to do anything he likes. We have a constitution, which the Imeobi followed in the choice of Eya. We don't know this Onyema, he does not understand the constitution and whatever they are saying is nonsense. They should however, wait till January 29, 2009 when the inauguration will be made and we will see who will be sworn in."
Source: The Guardian, 9th January 2009.
Ohanaeze: The task before Uwechue
By Emmanuel Obe
Saturday, November 29, 2008 marked another milestone in the history of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex social cultural organisation of the Igbo speaking people in the South-East geopolitical zone of Nigeria and two South-South states and Rivers.
The venue was the Women Development Centre, Awka where the leaders and members of Ohanaeze gathered to conduct election into the soon-to-be vacant national offices of the body.
At the end of the day, eminent diplomat and former ECOWAS representative to Cote d'Ivoire on Peace, Ambassador Ralph Uwechue, was returned as the President General of the organisation.
Uwechue, who has had a successful career in diplomacy and the academia, was before his ECOWAS job, former President Olusegun Obasanjo's Ambassador for Peace in Africa.
His return was facilitated by a shadow election that was conducted a week earlier at the palace of the Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Chike Edozien where he was unanimously nominated as the candidate of the Anioma (Igbos) in Delta State for the presidency of Ohanaeze.
By the provision of the constitution of Ohanaeze, which provides for the rotation of the presidency, it was the turn of the Igbo in Delta State to produce the next president general.
Though flowing from the crisis that gave birth to the outgoing leadership of Ohaneze, the atmosphere did not seem quite smooth as it ought to be. The presence of one governor and representatives of three other governors showed that Ohanaeze was united again. The only governor absent was that of the host state, Anambra, Mr. Peter Obi, who the master of ceremony reassured the audience would soon join the party. But he never did.
The Abia State Governor, Chief Theodore Orji, who was present, cleared every doubt that the governors were not united behind Ohanaeze. He said they were all working together for the interest of the Igbo race. Two former governors of Igbo states, Ogbonnaya Onu of old Abia and Ndubuisi Kanu of old Imo were present.
At the adoption of Uwechue in Asaba a week before the election, the former secretary general, of Ohanaeze, Col. Joe Achuzia (rtd), was present, thereby removing every vestige of doubt that the body was united. In fact, no court order was issued to stop the election.
Uwechue's election was smooth. Not so for the election into the next most important position of the organisation. Because of the irreconcilable differences between the national leadership of Ohanaeze and the Enugu State government, a consensus could not be reached on who should be presented for the post.
Apart from the delay in the commercement of the programme, everything at the venue of the election had appeared to be going on smoothly until the outgoing President General, Dr. Dozie Ikedife, announced that there was a deadlock in picking the consensus candidates for offices zoned to Enugu and Rivers States.
Soon afterwards, the delegation and contestants for the posts of vice president and other positions zoned to Rivers State came forward to present their candidates, who were subsequently unanimously adopted by the gathering.
But the Enugu deadlock could not be broken as the backers of the two main contestants for the position of secretary general did not want to yield grounds.
At this point, Ikedife announced that the election into the office of the secretary had been suspended pending the resolution of the deadlock. He however quickly pointed out that the Imeobi (Elders Council) of Ohanaeze had met and taken a decision on the position of secretary.
Though Ikedife did not mention the position Imeobi took on the position of the Secretary, it was all over the place that it wanted elder statesman, Chief Nduka Eya, to occupy the post.
That position stood against the request by the Governor of Enugu State, Mr. Sullivan Chime, to allow Mr. Rich Ozobu, the younger brother of a former Ohanaeze President, Justice Eze Ozobu, to hold the position.
Ordinarily, when an effort at reaching a consensus to pick a candidate fails, the house would go into election proper where the delegates would vote for their preferred choice.
But the Ohanaeze leadership would not go that far. Ikedife said that election could disturb the peace of the organisation. Therefore, further consultations would be entered into to reach a truce.
But the reality was that Ohanaeze's candidate would have lost the election because the Enugu State branch of the organisation was under the firm control of the state government.
And the convention of Ohanaeze is that it is the delegates from the states to which certain positions are zoned that elect the candidates from their state.
Ohanaeze's grouse with Chime stemmed from the failure of the state government to give any support to the group when it hosted the last Igbo Day celebration in Enugu.
So, though it was conventional for the body to accede to requests and wishes of the governors of the Igbo states, this time around, the national leadership of the organisation is seeing the opportunity as a payback time for what the Enugu Government failed to do for it.
And who is to pay for it? Ozobu, who has had a history of service to Ohanaeze? Though Chime was not there at the election venue, his representative made a spirited appeal that his principal's position on the matter be accepted.
The situation leaves an arduous task for Uwechue, who might have to start work next month without a substantive secretary.
First, he must have to achieve a rapprochement with Chime and the Enugu government, which must be carried along, if the new Ohanaeze must start on a strong footing of unity and peace.
Coming from Delta State, the new President General must first shake off the minority toga identified with Delta Igbos. As he himself said in his acceptance speech, there was no way the Igbo west of the Niger should not be accepted to lead the Igbo race if the Ijaw could adopt Chief Edwin Clark from Delta State in which they are minority as their national leader.
He recalled the price the Igbos of Delta State had to pay during the Nigerian civil when thousands of its vibrant young men were gathered together at village squares and shot dead by invading federal troops for being Igbos.
The Aniomas are also not known to be fearful. Nigeria's political history would be gaping wide if mention is not made of radical elements from the area that led the first violent change of government in Nigeria. And mention must be made of the late Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu, who after leading the coup of January 1966, died fighting during the civil war.
But he appealed that the rest of the Igbos East of the Niger must provide support in the struggle ahead. He anchored his speech on the need for the Igbo to speak with one voice and join in the regeneration of the Igbo race, which he said had become imperative.
Lacking in central traditional and political leadership, the Ohanaeze comes in to serve as the rallying point for the more than 40 million Igbos spread across the world. What emanates from the leadership of the body could therefore have a great impact on the fate and resolve of the Igbo and indeed Nigeria.
In the past, Ohanaeze had come very close to charting a solid political course for the Igbo. But petty and narrow political interests of its leadership had squandered the legitimacy and strength of the organisation.
Not too long ago, the organisation was split down the line after its leadership voted to support the unconstitutional tenure elongation proposed by Obasanjo.
That slip by the leadership of Prof. Joe Irukwu ruined the effectiveness of Ohanaeze. It was good news that that factions within the body had fizzled out before last month's election. But Uwechue must watch out for the proverbial banana peel.
Being an accomplished diplomat, observers expect that he would use his skills and experience to unite the interest of the Igbo leaders, who had in the past never appeared to find a common ground to pursue the interests of the Igbo people in the Nigerian polity.
Would the Igbo still pursue the dream of Igbo presidency? What about the cry of marginalisation? How far can the Igbo find markets for their countless traders and businessmen? Male dropout in schools; is the end in sight? Can Uwechue do anything about the rampaging gully erosions across Igboland? These and many more posers are waiting for the diplomat to find answers to as he steps in for the next two years to drive the boat of one of Nigeria's largest and most vibrant ethnic nationality.
Source: Punch, 29th December 2008.
Charge MASSOB members to court, Ohanaeze urges govt.
By Alex Kalejaiye
The leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo is not comfortable with the continued detention of members of the Movement for Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), without efforts to arraign them.
Although the Igbo socio-cultural group would not campaign for the release of anyone found guilty of offence, it abhors violation of human rights, especially when such action is" rooted in pure malice, according to its president, Dr. Dozie Ikedife.
Reacting to the allegation of detaining about 2000 MASSOB members without trial, Dr. Ikedife, argued that such detention was paralleled to the tenets of democracy.
Ikedife said that although he was still waiting to be "informed" officially about the development, his approach had been that if anyone has committed offence, government should go ahead and arraign the person.
"It makes nonsense of democracy for people to be kept indefinitely in detention without any efforts to charge them to court, just because somebody does not like them", he argued.
The Ohanaeze leader said slamming over 2,000 able-body's men into detention in an awaiting-charge situation, at a time the country is not at war, calls for concern.
Ikedife challenged the federal government to charge the MASSOB supporters in a competent court "if they have committed any crime or breach the law".
The fate of the MASSOB adherents had remained uncertain since the release of their leader, Chief Ralph Nwazuruike.
Some members of the group have lately accused Nwazuruike of betrayal. There were speculations that he has been warned against agitating for the release of his members in detention.
The government's calculation, it seems, is to ensure the leader of the troubled group does not have enough foot-soldiers to cause serious threat.
Regional Administrator of the Movement, Mr. Alphonsus Ajuka, recently raised alarm that over 2,000 of its members were still being held by the federal authority.
Ajuka appealed to well-meaning Nigerians and the international community "to put pressure on the government to ensure their release from detention."
Source: Nation, 15th June 2008.
Ohanaeze Blames North For FoI Impasse
FROM LAWRENCE NJOKU, ENUGU
Apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo rose from her meeting in Enugu, yesterday urging the speedy passage of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Bill, just as it declared that the delay in passing the bill was part of the northern agenda to hold political control of the country.
It said those against the passage of the bill might have realized that it would expose shoddy deals that go on in government and, as such, would continue to truncate efforts in ensuring that it received speedy passage.
Ohanaeze said when the bill is passed; Nigerians could now have the opportunity to make certain inquiries about government, adding that the bill would serve federal government's war against corruption, especially in high places.
At the meeting, presided over by the President General, Chief Dozie Ikedife, which may have signaled the end of hostilities in the Igbo apex organization, Ohanaeze also asked the South East governors to ensure the realization of an international status for the Akanu Ibiam airport in Enugu, insisting that several months after the federal government promised to upgrade the place, nothing has been heard about it.
At the meeting were former Enugu governor, Okwesilieze Nwodo, Rear Admiral Alison Madueke, Prof Ben Obumselu, Chief Ralph Uwazulike, Prof Offiah Nwali, Prof Uche Azikiwe, Prof Pita Ejiofor, Prof J.C.Ogbonna and Major General JOJ Okoloagu rtd, among others.
South East governors had, last month, given an endorsement to the Ikedife-led Ohanaeze as the authentic group to serve the interest of the zone till November this year, when a fresh election would be held for a new executive in the organization.
Following the recognition, the keys of the secretariat that were said to have been seized earlier by the former Secretary General of the group, Chief Joe Achuzia was released to Ikedife. Before now, meetings of the group were held in hotels.
In a communiqu? released at the end of the meeting, Ohanaeze condemned the alleged delay in the passage of the FOI bill by the Senate, insisting that 'external forces are at place to thwart the bill following the realization that it would serve as war against corruption in the country".
Ohanaeze challenged members of the National Assembly to live to their vows and pass the bill in the interest of the people of the country.
"There is no other way in which the people can feel proper representation unless the bill is passed and signed into law", it said.
The Organization observed that the economy of the South East has almost collapsed, due to epileptic power supply and urged the governors of the zone to take the lead in ensuring that alternative power supply was provided for the people to enable commerce thrive in the zone.
It further appealed to the federal government to find ways of bringing succor to South East zone, by ordering the repairs of vandalized pipelines in the area. The organization, lamented that for several years now, the depots in Enugu, Aba and other places in the zone have not functioned, adding that it has tripled the cost of petroleum products in the zone.
Source: The Guardian, 8th June 2008.
OKEKE-OGENE : 'Ohanaeze Dream Is Dead, I'm Sorry'
Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene, a foundation member of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, personal adviser to the pioneer President-General, Justice Eze Ozobu, a representative of Anambra State Association of Town Unions (ASATU) in the Ohanaeze Exco, served in various committees within the body and represented it at the annual World Igbo Congress for six years. He opened up to CHUKS COLLINS.
WHAT actually is the problem with the Ohanaeze leadership?
The problem is the ego of the leaders; nothing more, nothing less.
Then what is the way forward?
The way forward is a serious revolution, to inject fresh, young blood with ideas, drive and Igbo interests at heart, not personal interests.
The Southeast Governors met recently and adopted Dr. Dozie Ikedife as the accepted President-General. What is your take on this?
It's clear inconsistency on part of the governors. I have respect, regards for them, but as far as Ohanaeze is concerned, I hold the governors responsible.
How?
The previous governors at Abakaliki in 2005/2006 altered the stand given to Irukwu to deliver at Ebonyi, which never included anything on Third Term ambition of former President Olusegun Obasanjo. The executive rejected it. But with the blind ambition of some of the governors, namely Dr. Sam Egwu, Chimaroke Nnamani and Achike Udenwa with the exception of Dr. Chris Ngige and Dr. Orji Kalu, they supported Third Term. Therefore, they lured Irukwu to say that the Ohanaeze executives would support whatever the governors decided on.
Dr. Orji wasn't present at the meeting and the other three governors that were there outweighed Ngige. Irukwu then said he concurred with them, contrary to the submission by Ohanaeze. So, it was these three governors, driven by selfish Third Term ambition that sowed the seed of confusion in Ohanaeze till date.
The crisis is far from being over. Thereon, they didn't relent in manipulating Ohanaeze into a PDP tool. They hijacked Ohanaeze for PDP with Irukwu and Co on the driving seat. Neither Irukwu nor Ohanaeze survived that Abakaliki self-inflicted injury and plot against the Igbo race. It gave rise to the PPA (Orji) forming a breakaway Ohanaeze led by Ikedife without other executives.
Orji then apparently started taking care of the Ikedife faction. In the light of this, indigenous Bishops from Southeast invited both factions to the Catholic Retreat Centre at Emene in Enugu. After three meetings, they resolved that:
Everyone should sheath his sword and to accept their verdict as God's intervention.
That they had prayed day and night before the meeting for the resolution to become the final.
That Irukwu be given a soft landing between June/December 2006, to remain in office while election holds in December 2006 for a new, united executive to emerge.
That a new constitution be adopted.
That any party that disobeyed the resolution would be doomed.
But Dr. Dozie Ikedife and Rear Admiral Ndubisi Kalu (retired) backed out. This now made Irukwu to continue, showing that the efforts of the men of God were in vain. The crisis then continued.
But the governors, who put the Ohanaeze into the predicament, met again but with new the face of Peter Obi as the chairman. They met at the Enugu Governor's Lodge and resolved that a committee, headed by the Asagba of Asaba, Obi Nnaemeka Achebe of Onitsha, Chief Ezeikpe, Ndubuisi Kanu and Senator Ellah, should re-organize and conduct fresh election within three months. They were also mandated to produce a new constitution for Ohanaeze.
Even within the committee, there was sharp disagreement as the alleged Kanu was imposing his opinion on them. Senator Ellah consequently resigned, and after few meetings without encouraging responses from key actors in the dispute, the Asagba became almost frustrated. And the committee went into coma till date. Within this period, Irukwu's tenure ran out and his group chose Chief Ifeanyi Enechukwu as acting President-General.
The present governors adopted Ikedife to conclude his onslaught against the PDP, despite the fact that prominent respected Igbo sons and daughters are in PDP. That's why Chief Joe Achuzia went on a solitary egocentric courtesy call to Chief Vincent Ogbulafor, the national chairman of PDP. He did not go or consult with any other person.
So, for how long would these elders play with Ohanaeze and Igbo destiny and sensibilities? It is clear and obvious that none is representing Igbo interest; if so, they would have listened to ordained men of God.
When did the Ohanaeze dream die, according to you?
Ohanaeze died after Chief Ben Nwabueze (SAN) and Justice Eze Ozobu, both learned men, could not agree on which of the two conflicting constitutions drawn by the same executive, should be used. Both men were Secretary and President-General respectively.
I have worked with Ohanaeze for decades and had remained within the leadership circle for nearly 20 years. I saw all of them not having any interest to hand over the baton to anyone. They chose to rather drop the baton inside their graves when they die instead of handing it over to anyone.
I regret my involvement in Ohanaeze. I am ashamed we did not achieve anything with the group, except endless crises. I regret the elders handed no knowledge or experience to us. I resigned my position as a factional Anambra State chairman of Ohanaeze and apologized for the inability to move the body and Igbo forward or reconcile our elders.
Source: The Guardian, 1st June 2008.
OKORIE: Like Afenifere, Ohaneze Must Define Its Role In Politics
Chief Chekwas Okorie was a member of the Igbo Forum that metamorphosed into Ohanaeze Ndigbo in 1979. Former president of the Igboezue Cultural Organisation, he became the youngest member of the Ohanaeze strategic committee in 1995. In 2002, he founded the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), He speaks on the problems of Ndigbo, the crisis in Ohanaeze and the way forward in this interview with Samson Ezea
WHAT is the origin of Ohanaeze Ndigbo?
Ohanaeze has a chequered history. It has been going on and off crisis. I was there at the inception of the body. By 1976 when I followed my uncle, Prof. J.U Agwu to join the Igbo Forum, I was an undergraduate. The late Dr. Akanu Ibiam was the chairman of the forum; the late Justice Daddy Onyeama was the vice-chairman; the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe was the patron and incidentally the only patron Ohaneze has ever had. Chief Jerome Udoji was the secretary and my uncle; Prof. J.U Agwu was the Deputy secretary.
In 1979, it was changed to Ohaneze Ndigbo; the new leader became the late Chief Mathias Ugochukwu, a business tycoon and the then traditional ruler of Umueze in Anambra State. Being a businessman, he aligned with the NPN-led federal government of Alhaji Shehu Shagari and Dr. Alex Ekwueme as the vice president.
The NPN easily penetrated Ohaneze and that made Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe to be annoyed and he withdrew from Ohaneze though he did not formerly resign as a patron. And going with Zik were Jim Nwobodo, then Governor of Anambra State and Dr. Sam Mbakwe of Imo State, who were members of the NPP with Zik. With NPP's pull out, Ohaneze became more of NPN affairs.
That was the first crisis and it lasted for a long time until about 1983 when Ohaneze was re-organised and people started coming, calling for the removal of the organisation from partisan politics. The organisation never made any impact or sign of protecting and promoting Igbo interest.
The time of recovering fully again was after the Justice Chukwudifu Oputa Panel in 1999. It was in the panel that the body made such a wonderful presentation that restored the confidence of Igbos in it. So, the credibility of the body was rekindled, and we thought we could keep it. But unfortunately, by 2003, another group had infiltrated the Ohaneze, this time trying to get the body to endorse a Presidential candidate.
I warned them, as somebody, who had been there for a long time. I was there before Professor Ben Nwabueze left the UBA to join the organisation; I was there before many of these people. I remember vividly that those who were there before me that are still there now are few.
When they came up, trying to endorse General Nwachukwu, I vehemently fought against it. I said, "We are now going to make the same mistake we made several years ago. It is better Ohaneze did not dabble in politics but if we must do so, they should look for a platform and not a candidate."
I insisted that instead of taking General Nwachukwu, they should take the APGA as a platform. That stalled the discussion that day because the plan to endorse Nwachukwu had been completed. But to change the arrangement and talk of platform brought a lot of confusion and Ohaneze was saved from dabbling in partisanship.
Things became worse when Prof. Joe Irukwu became the president-general of the organisation. He is from my own side of Igboland. I came strongly against his emergence, as president of the body. He might be a boardroom guru, an academic of repute and a professor of insurance law but he does not have the necessary qualities to lead Ohanez- a group that represents people that were under siege and he was too much of an establishment man to lead Ohaneze.
We were not just looking for somebody who's rich but somebody who was self-contented. And I did not see Irukwu as somebody, who was contended. But before we knew it, his insurance company had fat accounts with the NNPC and other government bodies. The language of Irukwu changed immediately. Everything became pro-Obasanjo. He carved out so brazenly in support of the failed Third Term of Obasanjo.
To lay strong foundation for the agenda, the state executives of the organisation were anointed by various PDP State governors in the South -East and card- carrying members of the PDP were chosen as the state executives of the organisation. The governments started hosting Ohaneze meetings. We know that he who pays the piper dictates the tune. Because of that, Ohaneze went into full partisan politics with the PDP.
Knowing that the president of the body had a leverage to reap bountifully from government, the struggle to become the president of the body began. Prof. Irukwu said his tenure was no longer for two years, whereas the Ohaneze constitution says two years. I was part of the people that wrote the constitution. The Ikedife group said no, that Irukwu's tenure was for two years.
Now for the first time, we had a factionalised Ohaneze. When we wanted to resolve the differences, they brought the governors, who are neck-deep in partisan politics. I think Ohaneze is in a deep mess. It will take a long time to extricate it from the bidding of politicians.
I don't see the future of Ohaneze. Igbo people are not very inclined to cultural organisation. When the Igbo State was strong in the First Republic it was because it directly aligned itself with the NCNC. Except we now change Ohaneze and make sure it is not a partisan organisation so that people can relate to it as belonging to any party like Afenifere. Afenifere does not pretend about its political agenda for the Yoruba.
Ohaneze say they are not political yet we play more politics than others do. It is difficult now to remove it from the grip of politicians but we better re-orientate the organisation. Ohaneze should choose a platform to control and the Igbo people can choose who will represent them.
Don't you agree that the constitution of Ohaneze that gives more power to the secretary-general than the president is a major problem of the body?
Prof. Ben Nwabueze tampered with that aspect of the constitution, no doubt, because that was not what we did. We tried to oppose it because I felt that what he was trying to do was turn the body into a Soviet communist party where the secretary is more powerful. Even if he meant well, that could fall into the hand of somebody who would abuse it. That was not changed.
The moment Irukwu became president and Col Joe Achuzia emerged secretary; he began to invoke those sections of the constitution, trying to use them against Irukwu. Irukwu and Achuzia never worked in harmony from the beginning because of the powers of the secretary, as stipulated in the constitution that Nwabueze tampered with.
Is true that the election that brought Ikedife to power was stage-managed by Chief Orji Kalu to actualise his political ambition?
No. That is not true; people are mixing up things. As a matter of fact, the election that Orji Uzor Kalu played a major role in was the one that produced Joe Irukwu. That election was conducted in Owerri and they manipulated the election planning committee.
It was part of our arrangement that the presidency would rotate across the member-states in alphabetical order so it was the turn of Abia. There were people like Dr. Ume Eleazu, Prof. Anya O Anya and even Ndubuisi Kanu, who were interested. But Orji Uzor Kalu fenced them off and said that Abia had brought three people from three senatorial zones - Joe Irukwu from Abia North, Chief Adiele from Abia South and Chief Bob Ogbuagu from Abia Central.
The arrangement was that Ogbuagu and Adiele would step down for Irukwu. The plot was hatched and Irukwu emerged unopposed from Abia State. The other contestants were not allowed into the ball; they were excluded from participating as delegates. That was the one that Dr. Kalu played a major role in.
One thing about this Third Term of arrangement, Prof. Irukwu turned around and made Kalu a target. Kalu became a victim of Irukwu's allegiance to the authorities in Abuja because Orji was now in confrontation with Obasanjo. The monster Orji created became a monster against him.
In the case of Ikedife, factions were already there, and Orji Uzor Kalu already had a face-off with Irukwu. The Ikedife group, looking for support to be ahead of the other faction, found Orji Kalu very attractive. Kalu, too, knowing that his own brother whom he installed had turned against him, found the Ikedife group attractive. He did not install the Ikedife group but he gave them adequate support in all fronts and they, in turn, endorsed his candidate in 2007 presidential election. The moment they endorsed his candidature, Odumegwu-Ojukwu reacted by saying that Kalu was a political misfit. This was because he did not accept that the Ohaneze should endorse anybody as a presidential candidate.
Do you think that the endorsement of the Ikedife-led group by the Southeast governors is the solution to the problems bedevilling the body?
No. I said it earlier in my opening statement. The crisis can never be resolved like that. Ohanaeze's involvement in partisanship will have to be redefined. If Ohanaeze wants to be involved in politics, it must redefine its mission in politics. It can begin to pretend that it is a non-politician body. It has to go back and do what Afenifere does so that it can become clear. We have much to do to correct the damage. It took us years to correct that mistake of aligning with the NPN in 1979; now the PDP has done another damage to us, it will take us years to come out of it.
There is the belief that the Igbo have no leader. Do you agree?
The republican nature of the Igbo people is not a disadvantage; that is what propels them to be very enterprising. Igbo people recognise their leaders and they follow them sometimes sheepishly until those leaders disappoint. The late Azikiwe was not an Igbo leader; he was a Nigeria statesman. Without planning it to be so, he became a rallying point for Igbo politicians and the intelligentsia. Majority of Igbo people were inclined to the NCNC in the First Republic.
In the homefront, Dr. M.I Okpara showed such purposeful leadership and selflessness that if you paired him and Zik for a contest, Okpara would have easily won in Igboland. The good thing was that they worked together. Our people did have the difficulty as to whom to follow. There was no divided attention at all because following Okpara was like following Zik. That paid off even after the Civil War.
Just nine years after the war, the same Zik reared his head, knowing that our people had lost self-esteem, as a result of the defeat during the war. Rather than aligning with the octopus - the NPN, he went to the small NPP in order to give it a coloration of an Igbo platform so that his people could use it to restore their dignity. And it worked. The two Igbo States then were won by the NPP and they were able to get allies in the Middle Belt - Benue and Plateau States. That was a major achievement.
Source: The Guardian, 1st June 2008.
IKOKU: Ikedife Is Acting As Sole Administrator Of Ohanaeze
Chief Guy Ikoku spoke to LAWRENCE NJOKU in Enugu on the leadership crisis in Ohanaeze Ndigbo and suggested ways of solving it.
COULD give us the origin of the Ohanaeze?
Ohanaeze Ndigbo started in the 70s when the military handed over to civilians. You then have the problem in Igbo between the haves and the have nots and most of us, the younger generation coming out of the war, said we must assert our independence as a people and that we were not a conquered people.
By then there were those who said they belonged to the older generation and they wanted to go to where there was money; most of them were in the NPN (National Party of Nigeria). So, they did not take kindly to the idealistic assertions of the younger generation. Of course, you know that the NPP (Nigeria Peoples Party) cleared the eastern zone; that is old Imo and Anambra States and so they formed Ohanaeze as a pressure group of the elderly mainly to confront the younger generation or track the person into line with the NPN-controlled federal government.
But over the time, it didn't work and so there was a metamorphosis, to try and get everybody on board. With everybody now agreeing that Ohanaeze should remain the apex cultural body for Ndigbo, it was agreed that it should not be partisan, politically so that everybody could identify with it and then we talk about Igbo interest.
It does not matter what political party you are in but the thing that will unite the Igbo is what matters. That is how it came to be stabilized as a non-partisan cultural body so that over the years you see that with the overwhelming acceptance of Ndigbo, the philosophy of Ohanaeze was also translated abroad for our people as a cultural body embracing all the cultural groups and tribes in Diaspora. That is the basic origin.
What happened along the way?
After sometime, you found out that people, who were in actual partisan politics and wanted to canvass for platform, wanted to use Ohanaeze as an instrument. And it always led to friction and division. In recent times what had happened - and it's clear to everybody - is that Ohanaeze was being dragged into partisan politics. And many people in Ohanaeze even the people in PDP, resisted Ohanaeze being used for a third term objective of Obasanjo even the people in PDP.
Ohanaeze itself had a position paper on Ohanaeze interests at the Abuja conference to reform the polity. But Third Term was not part of Ohanaeze's agenda because we knew that with such a term, other zones would be shortchanged.
There was this cleavage at Abakaliki - the presentation of Ohanaeze position on constitutional review. And I call it a mistake by the leadership then of Prof. Joe Irukwu. When they were asked, they said that the (Southeast) governors had identified with the Third Term and they spoke for the people. You can see the problem there, and most Igbo rejected that notion. Governors speak for themselves when it comes to such matters because most of them were being intimated by the EFCC, which was an instrument of coercion by Obasanjo to toe the Third Term agenda even when most of them were not for Third Term. They also knew their people were not for Third Term but they could not say so openly. The same thing was applicable to the legislators at the federal level except the few who were courageous in the National Assembly to oppose it publicly
Was there another factor at play?
The other issue was the tenure of Ohanaeze. Many people within Ohanaeze said the tenure was two years but others like Joe Irukwu and co said it was four years. That was immediately they were sworn in, that there was a committee headed by Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu to amend the Ohanaeze constitution to elongate the tenure and that the committee actually elongated the tenure from two to four years.
But many of us said, yes, even if the Iwuanyanwu committee reviewed the constitution and was recommending four-year tenure, under the Ohanaeze constitution is procedure for such amendment. You have to call the Imeobi, you have to call the General Assembly and you have to pass it by way of resolution, given a formal notice to amend the constitution. And if you get the requisite majority of two-thirds or whatever is prescribed by the constitution, then the constitution will be amended.
That was the point of division and it was carried on till the point that it split the organization. So sub-groups decided to summon an Imeobi as a pressure group and to insist that it is two years that the executive should be dissolved for new elections. This matter was taking to various elders, traditional rulers, Bishops and Attorneys-General of the five States and they said that having looked at the circumstances, it should be two years until the constitution was properly amended.
Even the Archbishops said it, but added that two yeas was too short and that when it was amended, they would recommend three years so that any new executives would have the first three months to take over formerly and two and half years to work and then the last three months to disengage for a new executive, which makes sense. That has not been effected yet; it is just a recommendation from that panel of clergymen.
Then the governors met on August 12, 2006, called the stakeholders on both sides of the divide in Enugu here, and agreed that an election committee should be set up headed by the Asagba of Asaba. Senator Francis Ellah of the blessed memory was a member; Rear Admiral Ndubisi Kanu was a member because he was leading the Lagos and other groups who said it was two-year tenure and then the Obi of Onitsha. It was a four-man committee with guidelines to conduct an election in 2006 for a new executive.
The Asagba went abroad for medicals and did not come back until the end of October. That committee, before then, had met once or twice and had appointed seven election officers from each of the States including Rivers and Delta (Anioma) area, who would supervise the elections in their own States and collect nomination papers; and supervise the delegates' election for States in accordance with the constitution. The election date was set for November 4, 2006 and the General Assembly to be preceded by an Imeobi on November 3 at Umuahia.
WHY the stalemated Umuahia election?
Something happened: the tragic accident of the ADC aircraft at Abuja in which Sultan Maccido died and the whole country was thrown into grief. Almost at the same time, Irukwu and others went to court in Enugu here, because having waited to see to the implementation of the guidelines for delegates' elections - and that was not happening, on the basis that if a General Assembly were held in Umuahia, delegates would be appointed. Just like what is happening in elections in Nigeria - some persons will sit down in their hotel rooms and write lists of delegations without election. That would not be democratic.
So, they took out an action in Enugu High Court, suing the election committee: that the election should be withheld until delegates were properly elected in accordance with the Ohanaeze constitution, because what they advertised in the papers was that stakeholders would arrive in Umuahia for an election.
The constitution of Ohanaeze does not recognize stakeholders. You cannot stay, for instance, in your bedroom in Enugu and start writing names of delegates for Anioma when there is an Ohanaeze executive in the state in Anioma. They are the ones to call their people to a general meeting, accredit them and send their names to the zonal electoral officer, to the General Assembly and to the Imeobi. It is a very simple procedure; the same thing will also apply in all the States. There are state executives of Ohanaeze in all these States and they have not been dissolved. But that wasn't done and it was the reason for the court action, to compel them to adhere to the Ohanaeze constitution.
I was one of those canvassing that there should be a General Assembly to elect a new executive. I was at Umuahia and when we got there, we found that on the third of November, which was a Friday, when an Imeobi should be meeting, the Asagba of Asaba, who had returned from the United States and was briefed about the pending court actions, said no; that Ndigbo could not go washing their dirty linens in the public. After due consultations, he postponed the General Assembly of Umuahia until further notice or consultations to do the right thing in accordance with the Ohanaeze constitution. This was also on the network on that Friday at Umuahia and all of us saw it because it was so widely broadcast; many delegates from the States did not show up.
So, the Imeobi for that Friday did not have a quorum and all of us attributed it to that broadcast and announcement. How can you hold an election when the chairman of the electoral committee has postponed it? Like in Nigeria, if INEC said there wouldn't be any election in Enugu State, that they were postponing it due to certain logistics or other factors, could the Enugu State governor then call his SSG to come and conduct an election in Enugu on behalf of INEC? It is not possible with INEC when other electoral officers are absent and then you say it is an INEC conducted election.
You see our people, who have read political science, who are observing the Constitution, the electoral laws are in the forefront telling the president and so on, don't rig the elections, don't do this; Iwu we want credible elections and so on. Why will you now do the contrary? If you do the contrary, you lose the morality. You see what happened at the National Assembly? How can the presiding officer in the House of Reps inflate contracts without due process and then he will be the one to set up a sub-committee for oversight functions to probe ministries and other agencies?
How did the participants take it in Umuahia?
It was not taken well by the general populace but they insisted in Umuahia that election must go ahead. So, on that Saturday morning, the Obi of Onitsha came as a member of the electoral committee and was told there was going to be an election. The man said he wouldn't be part of it. That he just came to pay respect for Ndigbo with his Prime Minister, former Attorney General of the Federation, Ofodile (SAN) and said they would just attend to opening session and leave. He advised that the meeting should get a committee to go and meet with the Asagba and the electoral committee and he left.
Immediately, they appointed Onyenso Nwachukwu to chair the session and Uma Eleazu, who is a doctor in Political Science and Economics, to be a returning officer. There were some delegates from the World Igbo Congress and they asked for our views and we said we should select a committee to go and meet with the Asagba. But they insisted there must be an election even without the delegates. The only group that came with a delegation was Anambra State where Dozie Ikedife is the chairman of Ohanaeze. And I want to tell you that he is still the chairman because his executive has not been dissolved. What it means is that he is doubling both as chairman in Anambra State and protective president at the national level. It does not work; it is not possible. Obasanjo or Yar'Adua cannot be president of Nigeria at the same time a state governor. You have to relinquish one.
So, the Anambra delegation met, selected delegates and they were there. No other State did that kind of delegation. When they called for accreditation of states, Ebonyi was not there absolutely; Rivers State not there absolutely; Anioma, Enugu, Abia and Imo States were not there, as delegations. How can six States be absent and you say you are holding an election?
Eleazu protested, saying that with the absence of all these people, it was not easy to conduct an election. But they insisted on election or a kind of appointment. They started with the president and it was only Ikedife. Most of us said we would not subscribe to that kind of procedure and we did not submit any forms. The Monsignor of the Catholic Church, who is Anambra's electoral officer, was not there and he was the person who collected all the nomination forms and supervised the delegates' election in Awka. He was absent and so how then do you accredit the delegates from Anambra?
We have tape recordings of the whole thing. There was no election. But funny enough, they got a judge to swear them in. Orji Uzor Kalu gave them N6 million. Babangida was there at the Government House, Umuahia. An Ohanaeze meeting, which was supposed to be at the Michael Okpara auditorium, was moved into the Government House, which was again unusual because the Michael Okpara auditorium was free. Babangida came and greeted all of them and I asked why the presence of Babangida and why move the event to Government House, Umuahia? We don't attend election of the Arewa or Afenifere and why should that of Ndigbo be different if not that somebody was fuelling it.
So, the next thing we started hearing was that there's a new executive of Ohanaeze. We said, okay, if Ikedife is the President-General, who is his Secretary? The position of Secretary-General was zoned to Ebonyi State, and they have not nominated anybody. There is supposes to be five chairmen, one for each Igbo State; they have not nominated. There is supposed to be a deputy president and that deputy president is to come from Anioma (Delta), which is the Asagba's constituency. They have not nominated any deputy president. So, Ikedife has no deputy president; he has no vice president, no secretary-general. Who is his treasurer, who is his financial secretary, who is the publicity secretary, who are the ex-officio members? All these are lacking and so what you have now is a sole administrator, a one-man executive.
In order to give himself credibility he started aligning with Oji Kalu. It is now history but we all saw it: that Ohanaeze under Ikedife started attending rallies of the PPA (Progressive Peoples Alliance). You see them seated at even political rallies for the presidency. They held Igbo Day at Awka, which the governors said should be cancelled. But Ikedife went ahead with Governor Peter Obi and held one where they were given N17 million, as we understand, to organize it. What happened on that day? They presented a plaque to Orji Uzor Kalu, as the new Igbo leader. Is that the Ohanaeze? It has become so partisan.
Ikedife issued a statement on the presidential election: that all Igbo persons, who vote for PDP or Yar'Adua would be ostracized or excommunicated. It was giving very wide coverage and used for the election: that Igbo were against PDP and Yar'Adua. The elections had come and gone and he (Ikedife) now finds himself in the minority in alliance with AC and PPA. Is that the Ohanaeze we are canvassing for?
WHAT have you to say about the Governors' recognition of Ikedife?
Now, to complicate the whole thing, the governors met some weeks ago and said that they had endorsed Ikedife, as the president-general of Ohanaeze. A one-man executive? The governors lack the jurisdiction to do a thing like that because in their earlier meeting, they had asked that all cases in court should be withdrawn. There are four cases in the Enugu High Court here. The second case was by the Ikedife group, saying that Irukwu's group should no longer parade themselves as officers of Ohanaeze because their tenure had expired long time. There was an injunction to that effect by the court; there was an appeal against it and that is why it is still in court. So, the secretariat now is without any officers.
Another action from lawyers in Lagos said Ikedife and any other person working with him should come to Enugu High Court and tell the court why there shouldn't be an election of Ohanaeze executive. But if they said they held an election in Umuahia, to tell the court what kind of election took place and who were those elected with Ikedife.
It is unfortunate the whole thing is this way. As a people, it reduces us in the estimation of other Nigerians because the questions will be whether there is a one-man Afenifere; do you have a one-man ACF in the North? Absolutely not! The case is filed for them to come and show whether there was an election in Umuahia and to submit to an election under that committee of the Asagba. They had not put up an appearance in court, which means they do not want to submit themselves to a court in Igboland. The case had come and adjourned and they had not put up any appearance and so the Lagos lawyers have filed a motion for judgment. The motion came up two weeks ago and had been adjourned for this (last) month of May.
Meanwhile, Ikedife has ignored traditional rulers, who have said there should be a new election under the constitution and went to the governors through Peter Obi and they came here to say they were recognizing Ikedife as what, because he told them that they should, on their own, nominate people into his so-called executive to fill the vacancies? How can you do that without a General Assembly? It cannot be done. You have to have an election so that people can fill the vacancies. Under the constitution, any state that is given the secretary-general will present three names for that post, and the General Assembly will pick one of them. It is not for one man to decide because like a governor, who works for Ohanaeze, he will certainly influence the action of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
So, that is the crux of the matter right now. We want to build a credible Ohanaeze that is devoid of partisan politics. Members of Ohanaeze can belong to any political party of their choice. We have no problem with that, but on Ohanaeze platform itself, they cannot bring their partisanship to bear on Ohanaeze so that it becomes an appendage. We might lose our credibility; Ohanaeze will not be able to speak independently for the Igbo and in the interest of Igbo.
That is the procedural requirement and if there is the need for amendment of certain clauses and so on, it is the General Assembly that will do that, and not the governors sitting in their offices. The governors cannot amend the Ohanaeze constitution because they are members of the General Assembly, they are members of Imeobi and not synonymous with Ohanaeze. They were elected by their own political parties. But Ohanaeze comprises people of different political linings and therefore, should always do things that are in the interest of Ndigbo to get all the governments in Igboland to harmonize their policies and activities to integrate the Igbo.
What the Ohanaeze stands for is cultural integration of Ndigbo, a pressure group to get the Federal Government to give Ndigbo their due in infrastructure and so on. The roles should be integrated, if there is a road from Enugu here that should continue to Onitsha, you can't stop at Abia and turn round again to get to Onitsha. This is what Ohanaeze stands for: to bring back our culture; in education to get Ndigbo into technical education or college of education and not partisan politics. That is exactly where we are now.
Could the Irukwu executive still be recognised?
Irukwu and his executive had resigned and so, there is no executive at the moment. They had written letters calling for an election. Ikedife didn't have an election in Umuahia and he's only one parading himself as the sole administrator of Ohanaeze. He should come and have a proper election. All the States of Ohanaeze with their executives should, in accordance with the constitution, elect their own delegates according to the guidelines.
He cannot predetermine the outcome of an election sitting down in his bedroom. That is why we are blaming the government and INEC. Why can't we do it the proper and democratic thing? Ikedife can contest for the presidency of Ohanaeze. He is eminently qualified like any other candidate, but he cannot appropriate it to himself to the exclusion of others. These are issues.
But it does not appear that Ikedife is operating alone. He has leaders and elders of the zone backing him?
What I am saying is that there should be rule of law and that is the origin of this problem. Those who do not know the origin of this problem, maybe his friends, associates, when he was Presidential Liaison Officer (PLO) for Shehu Shagari in the NPN, will say this is my friend and they will put their muscle behind him. They didn't attend the General Assembly at Umuahia and then they go by what they read in the newspaper and so on.
Look at what we are doing in PDP. Every state we went to had three or two groups and each of the groups would attend our hearing with massive number of vehicles and people. In Anambra, the two major groups came with almost 200 vehicles. So, if we go by this, we may not look at the constitution and guidelines and every member of the group can do anything he likes because they have people that have come with them. This kind of thing does not give one legitimacy. If there is legitimacy, it becomes less expensive. You don't have to spend money to rent crowd or induce people.
Based on circumstances in Ohanaeze, there is a general feeling that it has nothing to offer Ndigbo in the polity.
So, what organization can then be relevant? The zone or people cannot be naked like that. It is like saying there is no well-meaning Igbo and things like that. There are so many well-meaning Igbo but they should be given the structure and platform to perform and to bring credibility to Ndigbo. That there are few individuals of queer character does not mean that Ndigbo has nothing to offer. Afenifere has similar problem; they split into three and you know that. Only the ACF in the North is more or less intact because they have had a proper succession for leadership.
What is the way forward, looking at the pronouncement of Southeast governors?
The governors call for all cases in court to be withdrawn within four weeks but none was withdrawn. What they should do now is to call the stakeholders of both contending sides to a meeting and not select a one-sided meeting of stakeholders. They know what to do, like the stakeholders that came for August 12, 2006 meeting. If you convene them, it is those stakeholders that will go and withdraw the cases from court with their lawyers. But before they do that, the governors must fully accept that there should be a new election by the electoral committee with the guidelines and they will agree with what is obtainable in the Ohanaeze constitution.
If they like, let them set up a constitution committee and give them four weeks to write a new constitution for Ohanaeze to the satisfaction of everybody. Then call a meeting where these things will be agreed upon and then on that basis, you set up the structures. If you like, you can set up the structures at the state levels and after that at the national level.
Do things correctly. If you don't do things correctly, can you preside over anarchy? Can the governors usurp the jurisdiction of the courts? They can't because the court is just an arm of government. So, the governors must respect the judiciary in doing their functions especially when the matter is sub judice. There are three or four cases in court and the proper way of resolving cases in court is by judgment or discontinuance by parties that went to court. Parties will have a freer mind to discontinue when they know that the alternative is for rule of law and constitutionality in the interest of the people not otherwise. They cannot withdraw the cases only for you to hand absolutely illegal conception to a sole administrator.
I believe the governors are not being properly advised. They should go and look at the provisions of the constitution of Ohanaeze, as they (former governors) did on August 12, 2006. They should revisit all the memos written then and call for an election. They should call the Asagba of Asaba and discuss with him on why the election did not hold then and his programmes. There are Ohanaeze executives in the States still intact and you cannot brush them aside no matter your thinking. They should be highly involved if we must resolve this problem.
Source: The Guardian, 1st June 2008.
Azikiwe, NNUBIA: Igbo Suffering Due To Ohanaeze's Crises
Chief Chukwuma Azikiwe, the eldest son of the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and Chief I.G Nnubia, the Anya of Ihembosiin Ihiala Council of Anambra State, have reacted to the lingering leadership crisis in the pan-Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo...They spoke to Chuks In Awka
Azikiwe:
BECAUSE too much water has passed under the bridge and hence made seeking room for compromise relatively far-fetched, let them go for an election to choose a new executive.
Since the 2007 Igbo Day celebration disagreement, where the two sides refused to yield to the other's views, it really narrowed down room for any compromise and many now see election as the way out. I am ready and willing to play a role in making peace.
It's disheartening that we allowed the last administration to insult our vision and focus by manipulating the entire organisation. Many of the elders found themselves either becoming docile or speaking from both sides of their mouth. It was unacceptably strange to learn of another 'constitution' which provided for a term of more than two years for the executive, other than the one, which was presented to some of us. I was given a constitution, which provided for a two-year tenure, which I accepted and was convinced to encourage others to accept it, too.
The zone suffered untold pains under the leadership of former President Olusegun Obasanjo. We were even the greatest victims of election rigging in the country under that regime, until what his party men then described as the Tsunami of 2003 in the Southwest when he struck and left his people speechless.
I, however, wish to caution that Ohanaeze was a dream with an aim and vision. It is only men with passion for that dream and vision that can save the organisation now. Unfortunately, some of the foundation members, who still hold on to the dream like our brothers from Rivers State, have warned that they may pull out if the crisis is not settled soon. This crisis of confidence has robbed us of many development projects.
Chief I.G Nnubia:
I AM not happy with the goings-on in Ohanaeze, and it's the same for many other true and patriotic Igbo. Those at the helm for whom we hold to high esteem have disappointed us. They have been playing with our collective sensibilities as the prolonged leadership and ego clash has robbed the Igbo countless opportunities and development both in terms of national and international appointments and projects.
Ohanaeze was expected to be a rallying point for the people but unfortunately, it has not been so. There's now urgent need for the leaders to come together and once again have a common front. Let us stop giving our enemies and opponents the opportunity to play with our destiny and collective will.
Our competitors and outsiders know that no government in Nigeria can stabilize or excel without Igbo's support. It's unfortunate the former executive allowed the former President to manipulate, use, disagree and dump them. Let us, however, put everything behind, conduct fresh election and choose a new executive.
Source: The Guardian, 1st June 2008.
IKEDIFE: We Shall Reunite Igbo
Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex socio-political body of all Igbo has for years been factionalized. But recently, the Southeast Governor's Forum chaired by Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State, succeeded in harmonizing organisation under Dr. Dozie Ikedife, as the president-general, who barred his mind to CHUKS COLLINS in Awka.
HOW has the struggle been to unify Ohanaeze Ndigbo under one umbrella?
The struggle has been on for quite sometime. It's like the fight of the lizards - they don't draw blood, but there are strong feelings on both sides. We are all happy it has now been resolved in my favour and everybody is encouraged to come under one umbrella once again under the leadership of Dr Dozie
Ikedife, as the president-general of Ohanaeze Worldwide and the Ikenga-Nnewi.
I also wish to say that we have our hands wide open, ready to accept anybody who was on the other side of the divide before. The battle is over and the issues have been resolved. We are willing to forget the past and move forward. We are not going to point accusing fingers especially on those who earlier went round confusing and misinforming people. The battle is over.
While the struggle lasted, we lost a lot as a people; we lost relevance, we lost positions, we lost cohesion and we even lost trust and focus. We lost initiative in every thing. We ended up speaking in diverse and opposing views, thereby confusing our audience, especially when someone says one thing and another person says shut up, you are not our leader or spokesperson. So, no one knew whom to deal with. The disagreement actually cost the Igbo a lot of opportunities, even in governments and political parties.
What is the agenda for restoration?
I don't have any personal agenda but a general Ohanaeze agenda. But we must first of all come together, to talk with one voice. We are already articulating programmes, like the Southeast Economic Zone. We are urging our people to henceforth think less as an Enugu State man, an Ebonyi man or an Abia man, etc. Think more of an Igbo man, and with bigger number, you'll be able to tackle bigger economic, political or social issues.
Certainly, we need communication, power generation/distribution, etc. We need to work together. If we develop, say, Abia State alone, it will not make proper impact. But you have to develop all of them together - Abia, Imo, Enugu, Anambra, Ebonyi, Delta, Rivers, etc. Then we can say we have started. We have enough of good and bright ideas; we only need to convince the people that this is the way we should all go.
What is the position of Ndigbo in contemporary Nigeria? Could you say you have arrived?
Obviously, we have lost a lot of ground and are still losing. But I have strong faith in the Igboman's ability to survive. The Igboman is, in fact, like the typical beetle, which cannot be killed. Our detractors know our weaknesses and have been exploiting them. We shall overcome all these and become relevant because even in the big political parties, the Igbo are not relevant. An Igbo, for example, is the chairman of PDP, but his position is a very weak one when you have the chairman, Board of Trustees that can overrule not only the party but also the government.
It is shameful (please, permit me to digress a little) for anyone to talk of a party ruling this country for the next 60 years. That sounds very ominous and dangerous. It is not good for democracy. Even among those who have practiced it for long, you may get someone ruling for so many years but you have to change hands. Honey is sweet but if you go on eating only honey, you won't have balanced diet. Even in Communist countries, they have tried continuous unchangeable leadership and have all ended up finding it counter-productive. Absolute power corrupts absolutely. It is unfortunately shortsightedness for anyone to think and say he's going to rule for the next 60 or 100 years. No one thinks or says such in a proper democratic environment. Change is the only thing that is permanent in life, and we must allow room for change. We need to have a sustained conscious opposition to help you put checks and balances, do a re-think; otherwise, it becomes a train rolling uncontrollably down the hill.
Many say that some Igbo turn their back on their people once they get to higher office.
No, it's a broad generalized statement. But mind you that most of them are in positions where they can do absolutely nothing. They are marked round about, hence cannot take meaningful decisions, or implement meaningful programmes outside what they have been ordered to do.
Igbo are never cowards but we don't have the opportunities. It is until you are given opportunity to play before you can be assessed as a poor, moderate or excellent player. If the leadership of this country is given to an Igboman, he will certainly lead the country aright. When people talk of shift of power, there are aspects of power you cannot shift in Nigeria. The economic power is where it is: not in the hands of the Igbo. The same with bureaucratic power, the military power, etc.
All we are saying is let the leadership be given to an Igboman because we are broad-minded; we don't think about ourselves first. That's why you say they turn their back on their people. They depict broad-mindedness, accommodating and never wanting anyone to feel bad.
Have Ndigbo in Diaspora and the World Igbo Congress really been effective in activities here at home?
They are most invaluable part of the Igbo nation. No one can ever quantify the amount of help, assistance, impetus and encouragement they are giving the Igbo at home; so don't ever mess with them because I will come out fighting in their defence wherever they are. Other Igbo in Diaspora organizations are also doing their best notwithstanding that not long ago, a functionary of Ohanaeze was touring the globe, confusing people, giving them all kinds of information and wrong signal. But presently, we hope all that has come to an end.
However, no one should blame anyone who goes ahead to set up another body, especially when someone was going round collecting money from people and making them chairman here, chairman there, Eze-Igbo here, Eze-Igbo there. It bothers on criminality but that phase has come to an end and henceforth, all the organisations know where to go and who to talk to.
Talking about Eze-Igbo here and there, this has become a disturbing trend. Which is the way out?
The stand of Ohanaeze on this has not been given wide publicity. We believe that wherever the Igbo are, they should come together and have leadership and spokesman, and not to have, say, you are Eze-Igbo in a foreign country or state outside Igboland. It sounds illogical and improper. It is a desecration of our custom.
You can only become Eze-Igbo of an autonomous community, and not for a collection of people in Kano, Kaduna, Lagos or wherever. Do not act as if you are translocating the Igbo environment where you are. You may imitate it but you do not translocate it because you are desecrating it by so doing. You need leadership, you need advisers to the leadership but they should be given proper name that depicts that role.
How worthy is the institution of a Hall of Fame/Shame for deserving Igbo sons and daughters?
It has been there and we have been honouring distinguished Igbo sons/daughters. During the last Igbo Day celebration, we combed out a few of them and honoured them. The other side of it - Hall of Shame - is a little bit delicate to put someone's name, as having qualified for the Hall of Shame because if he's alive, he will fight or his people will do the fighting.
But suffice it to say that the voice of the people is that of the spirits. Anyone who performed poorly need no other special induction or ceremony to know he's qualified for the Hall of Shame. There are certain Igbo today that wherever you mention their names no one wants to associate with them because they are already in a hall of shame where they put themselves even without formally hanging their names on the wall somewhere. However, we need to be more vocal in condemning iniquity, evil and unpatriotic act. We should be more vocal about it. The ignoble list currently exists in the hearts and minds of the people.
Which areas in the electoral system would the Ohanaeze see reformed, now that another opportunity has come?
The most important area that needs reformation is to introduce punitive element against those who perpetrate electoral fraud, rigging or prevention of actual voting but ending up with handwritten results. Anybody found guilty of having committed any electoral offence - it should be made part of the Electoral Act and Constitution - should be barred from holding or contesting for any public office at whatever level, for 10 years or even for life. That will begin to bring sanity. It will also include those who procure people to perpetrate the offences on their behalf.
Another important thing is that election petition tribunals should be made to conclude the cases before the date of swearing in of the new elected persons. This will enable the person to face the work with the necessary concentration without having to go up and down the tribunals, and worry over whether to start implementing his programmes or not.
Also if the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is found lacking or deficient in anyway, it should be dissolved, and new members reconstituted. At times, it appears we tend to perpetuate iniquity. For example, whoever conducted the last election cannot say he has done very well, Therefore, he should not be allowed to organize bye-elections as ordered by the tribunals.
Are you satisfied with the current level of government/people's relationship? Do you think the government is carrying the people along?
There's still a lot to be done. We are, however, hopeful that when President Yar'Adua settles down, he will tackle some of them.
How far with the issue of a new state to be carved out of the Southeast zone to bring it at par, at least with some other geopolitical zones in the country?
It has been raised, discussed and agreed. Discussions are still going on, but what is worrying me is that some people may go to hang on to a particular proposal without considering other possible proposals. Such a situation again may end up portraying us as speaking in diverse tones.
Won't Ohanaeze come in early for such discussions to be appraised and concluded internally before going public formally?
Yes, Ohanaeze is involved and we are discussing it. But at this stage, it may be counter-productive to begin to discuss it in the media. We are certainly discussing it.
A preview of the probes into the last eight years of democratic rule in Nigeria has revealed a lot, especially as the Igbo nation appeared worse-off. What do you advise President Yar'Adua?
The president should first gather the information and avoid surrounding himself with sycophants and praise-singers, who would be feeding him with twisted information. He should thereafter do well to remedy the anomalies.
The only painful thing is that you hear these things (allegations); songs and dances are made of them; committees created to look into them. But soon the accused persons walk home with all the loot happily. It doesn't make any sense. Any looter should naturally be made to vomit it and should swallow some bitter pills of his wrongdoing. It's not enough to write in the newspapers that so and so has been found to have stolen such amount of money. Then the National Assembly, FG, EFCC, ICPC, etc., set up this and that committee, after which the issues die down.
It looks as if the committees were usually set up to douse the fire. For example, a certain Inspector General of Police was disengaged from service compulsorily and arraigned for allegedly stealing huge sums of money. He was arraigned amidst fanfare but was later jailed ridiculously six months, which made him walk away to his house from the court. Simply put, he did not feel any punishment. That will not stop any other person from committing the same or similar offence again. And his successor has already been indicted and no one knows what is going to happen.
These make things ridiculous and it looks as if we are just joking, as everything is swept under the carpet. Now, the underside of the carpet is full; let us sweep no more. If we want to be respected by other countries of the world - because they are watching and judging us - there's no need spending billions to launder your image when what you need is simply to launder your cloth. Then your laundered cloth will launder your image for you.
Let us clean up our acts so that other nations will see some seriousness or resemblance of it in us, not when we wallow in iniquity, we make songs about it and then do nothing. No one will take us serious no matter how much we spend on CNN, BBC or Voice of America, trying to say we are clean.
In Igbo language we say that, agugo amu-ibi bu kponie akwa gi, meaning if you are accused that something is wrong with your anatomy, then raise your dress to expose that anatomical part to clear yourself. If we are accused of being corrupt, let us show that we are not, by not being corrupt not just by saying we are not, we are not.
Source: The Guardian, 1st June 2008.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo ...Trouble In The Family
Despite efforts by some interest groups from the zone to resolve it, the protracted leadership crisis in the Igbo apex social-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo appears unabated. But the Dr. Dozie Ikedife- led faction of the body says the problems are over, going by the recent endorsement by the Governors of Southeast States. SAMSON EZEA takes a cursory and retrospective look at the origin of Ohanaeze, and the crisis and efforts the resolve it.
THE Igbo are among the earliest races to practice democracy, as monarchical institution makes their skins crawl. As republicans, power has always been with the people and bodies that appeal to the masses. In earlier times, authority lay with the elders and the first male child who belonged to a council called the Ama-Ala. Married women, known as Mgboto or Umuada that wielded immense authority, usually complemented their efforts. The youths (Umu Okorobia) carried out law enforcement and other directives from the above two bodies.
Though there are parts of Igboland that imitate foreign forms of government, these are generally alien to the Igbo traditions (Igbo enwe-eze). This is why the British colonists found them a hard nut to crack during the build-up to colonisation.
Before the Nigerian Civil War that erupted in1967 due to political differences between the then military administrator of the Eastern Region, Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu and the General Yakubu Gowon-led Federal Government, the Igbo were more united, strong and focused than any other ethnic group in Nigeria. By the time the war ended, things had fallen apart, as the centre could no longer hold for the once united people. They came out of the war traumatised and divided due to alleged roles played by some individuals against the people's interests and wellbeing. It was alleged that some Igbo played the role of saboteurs by divulging secret information and supplying arms to the federal troops. That brought about name-calling, conspiracy and suspicion among them at the end of the war.
It was learnt that in a bid to articulate and evaluate their positions in the pre and post Nigeria civil war that the likes of Late Dr. Akanu Ibiam, Dr. Michael I Okpara and other prominent Igbo citizens came together to form the 'Igbo Forum' in 1976. Akanu Ibiam was the chairman of the group while the late Dr Daddy Onyeama was the vice-chairman. While the late Chief Jerome Udoji was the secretary and Prof. J.U Agwu the deputy secretary, the late Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe became the patron.
It was through the activities of the Forum that they realised that they had lost all their positions in the affairs of the country and that the 'No Victor, No Vanquished' pronouncement of General Gowon after the war was a mere political rhetoric to calm frayed nerves at that moment. Following this development, they decided that there was need for the Igbo to have a common front to articulate, propagate and protect their interests in the affairs of the country.
In 1979, after the military handed over power to the civilian government, the Forum metamorphosed into the Ohanaeze Ndigbo and the late Chief Mathias Ugochukwu became its president. However, Ugochukwu, being a businessman, aligned himself with the National Party Nigeria (NPN)-led Federal Government of Alhaji Shehu Shagari with his Vice President, Dr Alex Ekwueme, who incidentally came from Anambra State. It was alleged that Ugochukwu did that to protect his business interests and those of members of the executive like Udoji, the late Joe Nwankwu and others at detriment of Igbo interests.
They felt that the NPP-dominated government in the zone was too utopian, idealistic and forward and that they were pushing the zone into the opposition instead of mainstream politics, as canvassed by Ekwueme and his group in the zone.
The Southeast governors then comprised of Chief Jim Nwobodo of Anambra State and the late Sam Mbakwe of Imo State, together with the Nigeria Peoples Party (NPP) presidential candidate in 1979 general election, Dr. Azikiwe, protested the partisan political position of the Ohanaeze. That resulted in the battle for supremacy between Nwobodo and Ekwueme over who controlled the state (Anambra) and the organisation during the Second Republic. In the scheming, Nwobodo teamed up with the young generation of politicians in the zone while Ekwueme was in alliance with older generation of politicians in the zone. The older generation wanted to lord it over the younger generation but they rebuffed it strongly.
In 1983, there was agreement among them to stop the infighting especially on social-cultural front. That brought about internal reformation in the organisation to distance it from partisan politics. They started having normal joint meetings between the (Oha) - the people and (Ndieze) - the kings. Following the amendment of the organisation's constitution, the kings (Ndieze) were empowered to have their own forum considering their status and position in society. After taking their decision, they would meet the representatives of the people at the IME OBI. The organisation has state executives in the seven States of the Eastern Nigeria comprising Ebonyi, Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Imo, Anioma (in Delta State) and Rivers State.
In 2003, attempt by the Ohanaeze to endorse General Ike Nwachukwu as the president candidate of National Democratic Party (NDP) created ripples and deep crisis in the organisation but it was later resolved.
However, the current crisis rocking the organisation started when Prof. Joe Irukwu emerged as its president for a two-year term, according to the constitution of the group allegedly drafted by Prof. Ben Nwabueze, its former secretary for years when the military was in power. The constitution stipulates that the secretary is the accounting officer of the organisation, thus giving more power to the secretary than the president.
After Irukwu's inauguration, the Ohanaeze executive saw the need to amend its constitution by setting up the Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu committee, which recommended a four-year term. It was read to Ime Obi. Though noted, it was not adopt it because it had not become law yet.
Irukwu and his secretary, Col. Joe Achuzia, started having differences at the early stage of their administration over who controlled the organisation. Irukwu subsequently summoned all Ohanaeze state executives and fired Achuzia. That was in their first month in office. But the Ime Obi summoned Chief C.C Onoh, Eze Ozubu and others and they told Irukwu that he could not fire the Ohanaeze secretary like that. Meanwhile, Achuzia's people in Anioma (Delta State) had protested the Irukwu moves. They accused him of marginalising their people in the Igbo affairs. Achuzia later took the Ohanaeze constitution and registered it at the Enugu High Court - that their tenure was two years.
But in a twist after the Ohanaeze Ime Obi meeting in Enugu in May 2006, Prof. Irukwu declared:
"There is only one Ohanaeze Ndigbo, which has Prof. Joe Irukwu as president-general and Col. Joe Achuzia as secretary-general with elected national officers that constitute the national executive committee, NEC, inaugurated for a four-year tenure on 31st January 2004. The term of the present Ohanaeze leadership will expire on 31st January 2008."
He was strongly opposed by the Ohanaeze Transition Committee (OTC) led by personalities like Ndubuisi Kanu. The OTC moved the headquarters away from Irukwu. But Irukwu insisted that 7, Park Avenue, GRA, Enugu, was the secretariat and headquarters of Ohanaeze. Every effort by various Igbo citizens and groups to convince him to bow out proved abortive. After reviewing the constitution, all interest groups agreed that it provided for a two-year term.
On August 12, 2006, the Governors of Southeast called a meeting of stakeholders of the two sides in Enugu. They resolved that the constitution provided for a two-year tenure that the two years had elapsed. So, they constituted an election committee headed by the Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Chike Edozien with the late Senator Samuel Ellah, the Obi of Onitsha and Ndubuisi Kanu as members. They were mandated to meet and get produce the necessary guidelines, as stipulated in the constitution of the organisation and hold election between October and November 2006.
The bone of contention was whether the Irukwu-led executive had been dissolved, but the governors were silent on this. Irukwu continued in office but his greatest undoing was his support for the controversial 'Third Term' agenda of former President Obasanjo against the position of the organisation.
Under the constitution, Chief Ifeanyi Enechukwu, as the deputy-president of Ohanaeze, wanted Irukwu to hand over to him in writing. Irukwu refused knowing the implication of such an action. Rather, his resignation went to the executive, which, however, agreed that Enechukwu, being the deputy president, should be acting until the Ime Obi met to decide on whom to nominate from Abia to complete Irukwu's tenure.
Following the Governors' resolution, the Asagba of Asaba met with his committee members and set out guidelines for the General Assembly. They agreed that there should be seven electoral officers from the seven member-states of Ohanaeze. They agreed that the election would take place in October or early November of 2006. Then the Asagba travelled overseas for medical check-up and came back by October ending.
Before his arrival though, Ndubuisi Kanu was reportedly restless, thinking that there was plan to sabotage the committee. Thus himself, Chris Okoye, Dozie Ikedife, Emeka Onyeasor and Elechi Onyia (SAN) allegedly decided to summon the General Assembly for the election in the absence of the Asagba of Asaba. They announced a stakeholder meeting at the Mike Okpara auditorium, Umuahia.
However, the Irukwu faction protested to Prof. Edozien four days to the meeting and obtained a court injunction stopping the meeting. But the meeting was shifted to the Banquet Hall, Government House, Umuahia. Still, a day to the meeting, Prof. Edozien announced its cancellation because of the ADC plane crash that occurred a few days to the event. But investigation revealed that it was because of the suit instituted by the Irukwu group against the electoral committee.
Thus, the turn out of people, especially members of Ime Obi was very poor at the meeting. Dozie Ikedife, who was then chairman, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Anambra State chapter, came with his full executive. There were individuals from other member-states but they were not representing their various state executives or elected delegates. Kanu was advised to adjourn the meeting till the election committee met. The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Achebe came in the morning but left immediately when he realised that nothing genuine was happening.
Still, the participants forged ahead with the 'election', picking Dr. Ume Eleazu as the returning officer. Crowds were allegedly rented within the Umuahia metropolis and election was conducted. Anambra was ordered to nominate a candidate for the president and it nominated Ikedife. Ebonyi was to nominate the secretary but there was no delegate from the state.
It was alleged that immediately Ikedife was nominated as president, former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida, came out to congratulate him. Former governor of Abia State, Chief Orji Uzor Kalu, who was then governor, reportedly gave the Ikedife executive some millions of Naira to take off.
In a bid to resolve the crisis, Chief Mbazuluike Amaechi enlisted the traditional rulers from Southeast. A meeting was summoned in Enugu and later rescheduled for Owerri, chaired by Mr. C.I Ilomuanya, chairman Southeast Council of Traditional Rulers. Prof. Edozien attended the meeting, likewise the delegates from the two factions.
The question that was posed to Dr. Ikedife was whether he had an executive. He had no secretary, no treasurer and other executive members. The meeting agreed that there was need for a properly organised election for Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
The battle by Igbo politicians to use the organisation to achieve their political ambitions in the 2007 general elections contributed immensely to the polarisation of the body. It was alleged that the real reason for Ikedife's insistence as the president was the pressure from Orji Kalu, who wanted to use the organisation to achieve his presidential aspiration of Nigeria. Ikedife was disposed to endorsing Kalu as the Igbo candidate for president but was strongly opposed by the Irukwu camp.
Investigation also revealed that the crisis has affected the World Igbo Congress (WIC), the umbrella body of Ndigbo in the Diaspora as pro and anti-Kalu members are allegedly at each other's throat over who controls the group.
Despite suits instituted in court by various factions to the crisis, which are still pending, the Southeast governors recently endorsed the Ikedife-led executive as the authentic leadership of the Ohanaeze. But mixed reactions have trailed their action. The question is has peace returned to the organisation? If not, when will it that happen and when will it live up to expectation in protecting and propagating the interest of Ndigbo?
By November this year, the Ikedife executive's tenure will expire and there will be elections to elect a new executive, with the president-general emerging from Anioma in Delta State.
Source: The Guardian, 1st June 2008.
Why Ohanaeze crisis persists, by ex-leader
From Lawrence Njoku, Enugu
FORMER President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, His Highness Eze Ozobu yesterday hinged the problems of the zone on the issue of leadership.
He, therefore, called for spiritual cleansing, if the Igbo must entrench themselves in the nation's political mainstream.
Ozobu said that the attitude of the leadership of Ndigbo to issues bothering on the zone was responsible for the problems its people were undergoing at the moment. He explained that the development triggered off the leadership crisis which had in the past two years fictionalised the apex cultural body.
The monarch stated that it would be an exercise in futility to continue to call a truce among the feuding members of the Ohanaeze, since, according to him, self-centeredness, lack of respect for constituted authority, greed among others, which have crept into the leaders, would not allow any peace effort to be achieved.
He said the leadership of the Ohanaeze must first believe in the oneness of the zone and her people as well as see themselves as servants for the crisis to be checked.
Ozobu, a former chief judge of Enugu State, said that he had since leaving office as president-general of the organisation some years ago, resisted moves to be drawn into the crisis by shunning meetings called by governors of the zone among other interested parties.
He advised that his action was hinged on the belief that there was nothing in the first place that could have happened to cause divisions in the leadership of the body, insisting that events that have taken place around Ndigbo since the country's independence calls for serious sober reflection to find ways of moving the zone forward for the good of the people.
He said: "I know too well that it was the easterners who insisted that the white men should go even when the other zones never wanted it. This could be the cause of our problem in this region. You can imagine how the country has thrived since independence, how steps have been taken to address imbalances among other things. And I want to ask, how many did we get from it all?"
"We are the weeping child of every administration. The attitude of our leaders in the zone has not helped matters and that is why we will continue to suffer. I have therefore, called for this spiritual cleansing so that in the event of God being annoyed with us, probably based on the role we played during the country's independence, he could at least exercise some mercy," he added.
Source: The Guardian, 22nd May 2008.
I'm acknowledged worldwide as president-general of Ohanaeze — Ikedife
Written by Chioma Gabriel
Dr. Dozie Ikedife was recently approved by the South-East Governors Forum as the authentic president general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, a move which was not accepted by Joe Irukwu/Joe Achuzia faction of the group which claimed the governors have no right to approve or disapprove anybody as authentic leader of Ohanaeze or otherwise because the socio-cultural organisation has no business with politics.
In this interview, Dr. Ikedife bares his mind on the problems plaguing the group. Here are excerpts.
I was elected 2006. It is not an elevation.
There was no faction. You need to be corrected. There is one Ohanaeze and at the end of the term of one executive, another executive assumes office. And when the former executive led by Chief Joe Irukwu completed its term, they wanted to extend it unconstitutionally. I was elected president-general, November 4, 2006, at Umuahia. I took off in January 2007.
So, any other person claiming to be any other thing or the president-general of Ohanaeze other than myself is just beginning. That would be contrary to the constitution of Ohanaeze which brought our Joe Irukwu and Joe Achuzia into office. It is the same Ohanaeze. Now, they wanted to extend their tenure along with the spirit of the extension of the tenure of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
They wanted another term in office and we said no. And since 2007, I have been working and I'm now acknowledged all over the world as president-general of Ohanaeze. Any other person would be a pretender, either Joe Irukwu, Joe Achuzia or whoever it is. But finally, they have now succumbed to the truth of the fact that their term was long exhausted and finished.
Now, these governors of the South-East were just confirming what their predecessors have already acknowledged as far back as January 2007 even before the general elections. Leadership of the churches in the South-East has acknowledged me. The leadership of traditional rulers in the South-East has acknowledged me and 95% of the people of the South-East worldwide has acknowledged that Dozie Ikedife has been the president-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo since January 2007, detractors and pretenders notwithstanding.
Anybody can claim to be anything. This is a democracy. If for example, someone tells me he is Mr. Bush and goes further to say he is the president of United States, it is either the person is hallucinating or down-right a liar or a pretender or even an actor. And I would not kill him because it is democracy. But down the line, he may realise the folly of what he said.
Let me answer that. Number one, No. 7 Park Avenue is not the only address in Enugu or Igboland. I have been operating as the president general of Ohanaeze. My operation does not depend on 7 Park Avenue. It does not depend on an address. That is the secretariat given to Ohanaeze by former Enugu State governor, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo. But any rascal can go and lock up the place.
And I want to also tell you that we went to court because Achuzia held the key to No. 7 Park Avenue and was pretending to be secretary-general of Ohanaeze which he ceased to be in 2006. Now, an Enugu High Court on January 24, 2008 issued an injunction against him, Joe Irukwu and Mr, Ifeanyichukwu Ememchukwu restraining them from pretending or parading or answering or addressing themselves or allowing themselves to be addressed as functionaries of Ohanaeze.
That is a court order which is still subsisting. It has not been discharged. And if Achuzia says in the open that he is the secretary-general of Ohanaeze, let him be arrested for contravening a court order and therefore he should go to prison. That is the legal position today.
We are fighting our cause together but we cannot run away from the fact that this is a democracy. People must say their mind whether they sound sane or insane. We don't punish them for that. But the facts are sacrosanct. The facts are well known. I can tell you that I enjoy at least the support of 95% of Ndigbo both at home at abroad. All the Igbo organisations that are affiliated to Ohanaeze here in Nigeria and outside, in towns outside South-East, towns outside Africa are affiliated to the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo. Now, anybody can go about claiming that he is this or that whereas he is neither.
Yes, we can fight our cause together but it is not easy for ten or twenty people to share a common view on anything. And I can tell you confidentially that some detractors, some people who are conscious and afraid of Igbo leadership are flaunting surrogates and puppets to give the impression that there is no unity among the Igbo. These are third agents, fifth columnists. Today we are not talking about Ebonyi, Imo, Abia or Enugu. We are talking about South-East economic bloc.
Now the South East governors are talking together, irrespective of the political parties they belong to. They are now talking of interest of the people of the South-East in a united economic front. That's what we are talking about. And of course, there would be detractors who would say they don't agree with what this or that person said. And those doing it are doing so because of the price of being paid to them.
Well, it is a matter of personal conviction. People are more interested in a mesh of porridge with no consideration for people or for tomorrow. All we can do is feel sorry for them for their short-sightedness. And then, you can pray for them.
When your enemy drums for you, don't dance. That is an old saying credited to Okotie Eboh. That many Igbo came out to contest the position of national chairman of PDP is an indication that there is a plethora, an excessive number of people who are qualified for that position. And I tell you, that position is not even worth fighting for because the position of chairmanship of PDP is worth nothing at all because as long as the constitution of the PDP has the position of chairman of Board of Trustees who is more powerful than the rest of the party or even the government set up by the party, the chairman of the party is just an errand boy. So, it's not worth fighting for.
Now, you said Igbo are being used against Igbo, I have already told you that a few people were planted to destabilise the Igbo structures on the ground. It is not even only the Igbo structures. It has gone in many spheres. It is just unfortunate that we allowed ourselves to be cajoled into playing these destructive fifth columnist roles.
Look at the organisation APGA. It was formed to be relevant and significant but the leadership tussle, either man-made or created has frustrated its growth and hindered it from expanding to other parts of the country. There are other bodies that have been infiltrated and made impotent. So, the situation of Ohanaeze is not a surprising thing. The Afenifere, the Yoruba socio-political and Arewa, the Hausa group have also been equally decimated and made not as powerful, not as united as it used to be. It is not peculiar to Ndigbo. But such criticism of Ndigbo should not make us sad. It should make us think.
This is a phase and Ndigbo would soon get over it. Once the face of the mask has been opened and we know who it is, things would become a little bit different and we will certainly come together, speak together with one voice for the benefit of Ndigbo and for the benefit of the rest of the country.
So, one should rest assured that your own time will make a difference in this direction?
I can't promise you that. I will only do my best. It is for God to perfect everything. All I can tell you is that I'm a thorough-bred Igboman with all the faults and I will serve them to the best of my ability.
Source: Vanguard, 4th May 2008.
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