The Alaigbo Development Foundation has issued a strong warning that any attempt to deny Rivers State the presidency of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in the January 2025 elections will be resisted.
ADF in a statement on Wednesday signed by its President, Nze Coleman Chukwudelunzu, unequivocally stated that those who try to undermine the Ohanaeze Constitution and manipulate its affairs are “enemies number one of the Igbo Nation”.
The ADF emphasised the importance of maintaining the constitutionality of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, particularly in the January elections.
“Whoever wants to deny our brothers in the Rivers State their right to produce the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo is an enemy of Ndigbo and the Igbo Nation. We must resist them.”
Chukwudelunzu identified two major factors responsible for the problems Ohanaeze Ndigbo has faced over the years which he encapsulated as “external forces trying to control the Igbo nation and individuals seeking federal appointments.”
He alluded that some powerful individuals from other major tribes in Nigeria have in recent times installed Ohanaeze President-General.
“We shall not fail to add the fact that some of our Governors believe that their future depends on serving Igbo traducers, some even depend on non-Igbo stakeholders to get the allocations due to their States.
“What is worse is that some of the so-called Ohanaeze Chieftains play the role of errand boys to Igbo Governors and Ministers instead of speaking truth to power as Akanu Ibiam, ZC Obi and other leaders used to do as leaders of Igbo State Union.
“These are the tragic challenges in Igbo leadership against which ADF has been fighting. And it explains the source of the crises ADF faced in recent times as desperate efforts were made to crush ADF as the last man standing among Igbo leadership institutions.”
He thanked God that despite these challenges, genuine patriotic leaders in ADF have stood stoutly for Ndigbo.
“However, despite these challenges. ADF leaders still believe that we need a Socio-cultural leadership base in Alaigbo such as Ohaneze. If Ohanaeze is rescued and made to play its role, the more strategic role ADF is born to play with regard to Igbo political and economic emancipation will blossom undeterred.
“The current attempt to undermine, the Ohanaeze Constitution and manipulate her affairs must be resisted.”
Going memory lane why there’s urgent need for Ndigbo should unite now more than ever, Chukwudelunzu, recalled that despite the efforts of the Justice Maman Nassir Committee to disorganise the corporate existence of Alaigbo through a so-called State Creation Agenda, Ndigbo stood firmly and fought as a United family during the Abuja National Constitutional Conference of 1994-5.
“Justice Maan Nasser could not believe his eyes when he witnessed a united Igbo family stand and fight together in very unbreakable bond of unity.
“There at that Conference, the leaders of Igbo delegates including Okogbule Wanodi. Peter Odili, Eze Woluche, Chief Martyns Yellowe. Nduka Obaigbena, Reginald Wilcox, ete These great patriots stood with the Ekwuemes. Mbakwes. Emeka Ojukwu. Nwala, ete, to defend Igbo National interests at the 1994-5 National Constitutional Conference.”
