The Igbo Journalists Association (IJA), an affiliate to Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, disowns an amorphous group that goes by the name Ohanaeze being led by one Chief Chidi Ibe, as the  president general and a certain Okechukwu Isiguzoro, as its secretary.

The leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide is not either unknown or under threat and it is not meant for serving politicians. Those who also, attain the position of president general and secretary general are people of proven integrity in society who had served their fatherland in different high profile capacities in the past. Their emergence is through laid down electoral procedures.

We, the members of the  IJA, hereby strongly notify the general public that the only Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, which is the apex Igbo socio -political organization with adequate representation at the executive arm by all the Igbo-speaking states of the nation, remains our father and encyclopedia at all times, indefatigable Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, as the president general and Ambassador Okey Emuchay, as the secretary general.

For the umpteenth time,  the general public is advised to disregard any false information peddled by this non- recognised faction of Ohanaeze led by Chidi Ibe, as there is no division, faction or disunity among the Igbo as regards the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.

One wonders the gain these swindlers benefit from causing disharmony in Igboland by always deceiving the public by dishing out false alarm in order to create panic, misinformation and disinformation in the public space.

IJA therefore, advises her members scattered in all the relevant media organizations in the country and abroad, to desist from giving visibility, space and voice to this criminally-minded group that uses the name of Ohanaeze to swindle the unsuspecting public.

The issue of the authenticity of those competently and currently occupying the positions of the president general, general secretary and other positions, leading the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide until the next election of the apex Igbo body is conducted, as enshrined in the Constitution of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, is not in doubt. Also, it is pertinent to clarify here that the Constitution of the body provides for the eligibility of each elected serving leader to re- contest for a second term, if he or she desires.

It is not in doubt that the rotation of the Iwuanyanwu -led Ohanaeze Ndigbo WorldWide positions, especially, the president general and secretary general of the body is sacrosanct among the seven Igbo-speaking States that make -up the body (Rivers, Anambra, Ebonyi, Imo, Abia, Delta and Enugu), as well as those in the diaspora.

We, appeal to all our people to support the leadership of Chief E.C. Iwuanyanwu (Ahaejiagamba of Igboland), who in his brief moment of taking over from the late Ambassador (Prof.) George Obiozor, as the president general of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has demonstrated capacity and great leadership acumen by taking the message of Ndigbo Worldwide to the world, even to the admiration of other nationalities. 

We, the members of the IJA, commend Chief Iwuanyanwu and his leadership team, urging the executive to continue promoting peace, unity, progress and development of our dear Igboland.

Signed:

Hon. (Sir) Amby Uneze

National President

Hon. (Dr.) Godswill Megwa

Secretary