Igbo Day: Ohanaeze shifts venue, uncovers plan by hoodlums to disrupt event in Port Harcourt
By Chijindu Emeruwa
The apex socio-cultural organization in Igbo land, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has announced a change in venue for the occasion of the 2023 Igbo Day celebration.
Recall the event was earlier scheduled to take place at Liberation Stadium in Port Harcourt, Rivers state.
Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, made available to journalists on Thursday, hinged that the decision by the highest igbo ethnic-nationality in the country was in response to an intelligence security reports, suggesting a potential disruption of the upcoming event by paid hooligans backed by a southeast governor with vested political interests.
According to him, “The organization has been alerted to a plot aimed at thwarting and frustrating the election of the next President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo from Rivers State, a move believed to be motivated by the political ambitions of certain individuals for the 2027 elections.
“This suspicion was further reinforced by media sponsorship of non-existent and faceless groups insinuating that the Igbo Day celebrations would be disrupted”,he further alleged.
“The organization has decided to shift the venue of the Igbo Day celebrations to a more secure and restricted location.
“This is to ensure the safety and security of the attendees and to prevent any potential disruptions to the historic 2023 Igbo day event.
“The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide is using this medium to inform the general public and Ndigbo both at home and in the diaspora about these changes,”he added.
Mr Isiguzoro also used the medium to rally for support for the election of a new President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo which is zoned to the igbo speaking area of Rivers State slated for January 11th, 2025.
The ex-igbo youth leader reiterated the unwavering determination of the organization to resist internal and external detractors who according to him, may attempt to flout the Ohanaeze constitution constitution in inordinate bid to truncate turn of Rivers State to produce new President General for the people of igbo nation.
“The collective will of ndigbo is expected to prevail as it did in 2009 when a similar scenario played out.
“At that time, it was the turn of Anioma, the Igbo-speaking people of Delta State, and despite initial opposition, late Ambassador Raph Uwechue (of blessed memory) was eventually elected as President General”, Isiguzoro also stated.
The Igbo chieftain further reiterated that Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide remains committed to ensuring a peaceful and successful Igbo Day celebration, and as well, a fair election of its next President General for the apex organization in igbo land.b
Isiguzoro further called on people of igbo nation to remain vigilant and united in the face of these challenges, but continue to render their unflinching supports to the current efforts of Ohanaeze Ndigbo to uphold the principle of fairness, justice and equity.
