OHANAEZE YOUTH COUNCIL, OYC

PUBLIC STATEMENT:                                                                  April 14, 2014

It has come to the notice of the Leadership and followers of Ohanaeze Youth Council, that certain Igbo youths are parading selves as and usurping the leadership of Ohanaeze Youth Council ably led by Prince Francis Ijoma Oji. The attempt to balkanize OYC has been in the offing for a long time, but we have been managing and steering the leadership and followership of OYC with great knack, ideological clarity and respect for Igbo Nation. We do so ignoring cheap and hunger induced attention seekers whipping sentiments and telling lies about OYC and as well always put it right dispelling misinformation that are inimical to Igbo interest and that of the living humanity.

Here we come in the same vein to clear the fogs that has been in the air since last two Saturdays, April 5^th 2014 suggesting that Ohanaeze Youth Council had a Convention at Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo Secretariat at Enugu under the watchful eyes of the Committee set up by the Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo Scribe Dr. Joe Nwaorgu. We are surprise to hear both print and electronic media reporting Chief Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Special Assistant to Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State on Youth Development and Youth Leader Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo Abia Chapter announcing himself to the whole world as new President of Ohanaeze Youth Council.

While we are at lost with Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo’s interest in marrying Ohanaeze Youth Wing and Ohanaeze Youth Council, OYC together; we are more agitated reading in various Medias confirming Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo’s culpability, which the body has not denied. We, hereby, quote Mr. Isiguzoro making claims to that effect:

“Isiguzoro, however, warned all other pro-Igbo youth organisations to key into the parent body, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, even as he dismissed the purported inauguration of a parallel leadership of OYC by some faceless persons.

“The election that produced me was held last Saturday at the Ohanaeze National Secretariat in Enugu under the watchful eyes of an election committee set up by the Ohanaeze Ndigbo leadership. Some people said they are inaugurating Ohanaeze Youth Council in a Hotel in Enugu on Friday. We appeal to security agencies to live up to expectation and stop the purported inauguration by the faceless group,” he said (See EmmanuelNzomiwu, Ohanaeze Youths Re-affirm Support for Jonathan, S’East Govs, reporting for Daily Independent, April 10^th, 2014. See: http://dailyindependentnig.com).

It is pertinent to say here that Chief Okechukwu Isiguzoro in league with Chuks Ibegbu has misled Ohanaeze Ndigbo, by trickily used Dr. Joe Nwaorgu, their Abia state clansman scribe of Ohanaeze Ndigbo announcing Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing Election while plotting to usurp the role and leadership essence Ohanaeze Youth Council and actually did so – putting the parent body’s hands into the food plate before dragging the food to her embarrassing displays.  Hear Daily Independent to see that it was Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing election that was advertised:

“ABIA STAKEHOLDERS BACK ISIGUZORO FOR OHANAEZE YOUTH CHAIR by Emmanuel Nzomiwu, Correspondent, Enugu

“Stakeholders in Abia State have expressed support for the ambition of Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro to contest for the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth President.

“The different positions in the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing (italics ours) have been zoned to the seven member-states of the body, namely: Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, Rivers and Delta states.

“The position of Chairman was zoned to Abia State, while the Deputy National Chairman and Secretary were zoned to Anambra and Enugu states respectively.

“Speaking on behalf of stakeholders, the outgoing Acting National Chairman of the body, Chuks Ibegbu, warned aspirants who have nothing to contribute to the wellbeing of Ndigbo to stay clear of the election (See Daily Independent, http://dailyindependentnig.com).

While we are yet to hear from Ohanaeze Ndigbo, looks from the above, the only public announcement we heard about Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing election that; of course, held last two Saturdays portends that there was no Ohanaeze Youth Council election but Ohanaeze Ndigbo parent body’s youth wing election with Okechukwu Isiguzoro participating as anticipated and emerged as new President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing. How then did even Media join him in his elusive claims of mistaking Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing as being same as Ohanaeze Youth Council? Assuming without conceding that Ohanaeze Ndigbo through Dr. Joe Nwaorgu approved this Okechukwu Isiguzoro/Chuks Ibegbu led charade, did Ohanaeze Ndigbo acted in good faith and lawfully? The answer is no! Both Ohanaeze Youth Council and Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing are not and never one despite the time long efforts of some jobless Igbo youths who mills around Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo Secretariat both for political jobbery and errands.

What did the Constitution of Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo say about youth fold under her umbrella? It has nothing doing with Ohanaeze Youth Council but a youth wing. It is on noteworthy to quote from the Constitution of Oha Na-Eze Ndi Igbo to clear the fogs: “Ohanaeze shall have wings made up of popular organs – Women, Youth, Transporters, Traders and any other wings as may be deemed necessary by Ime Obi (See Article 23, WINGS (POPULAR ORGANS), Section i.)”.

How then, come Okechukwu Isiguzoro and his claims of Ohanaeze Youth Council Presidency on becoming Ohanaeze Youth Wing Chairman; after his long time impersonating both office of the Organising Secretary, PRO and President of Ohanaeze Youth Council at different occasions? No doubt, it is nothing but power hungry, political illusions and sheer brigades that will see the likes of Okechukwu Isiguzoro doing so! Until his emergence as Ohanaeze Youth Wing Chairman, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, like his colleague Chuks Ibegbu has been using the duo of OYC and OYW as being one doing their political jobbery and errands. Notwithstanding the crafty activities of Isiguzoro, Nigeria press are even more confused by the antics of his not knowing how to address him. From above two referred reporting of Okechukwu Isiguzoro by Daily Independent, through his main coverer, Emmanuel Nzomiwu it is obvious that he firstly reported him as vying for Ohanaeze Youth Wing President; and on Thursday after his emergence on April 5^th 2014, he reported him as Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo Youth Council and Ohanaeze Youth Council president in one report (See http://dailyindependentnig.com Daily Independent of April 10^th 2014).

Meanwhile  Punch Newspaper in a report “FASHOLA SHOULD APOLOGISE OR WE WILL AMBUSH APC IN 2015 reported Isiguzoro as National Organizing Secretary, Ohanaeze Youth Wing (See Ozioma Ubabukoh, Punch August 10^th 2013 online).  Quite interesting, Isiguzoro in a report “Ohanaeze Youth Council Tasks FG on 2^nd Niger Bridge” filed by Dennis Agbo of National Mirror dated February 20, 2013 went ahead in his culture of impersonation presented self as President of Ohanaeze Youth Council (see National Mirror online).  The list is endless!

For Emmanuel Nzomiwu of Daily Independent, who seem to have recalled that it was not Ohanaeze Youth Council election that took place at Ohanaeze Ndigbo National Secretariat Enugu but Youth wing as he earlier-on advertised, he addressed Isiguzoro in one of his informal impersonation post of Organising Secretary, Ohanaeze Youth Council while reporting him in his post-Ohanaeze Youth Wing Elect Chairmanship. He reported:

Thursday, April 10, 2014

Bottom of Form

OHANAEZE YOUTHS SEEK INCLUSION IN AMNESTY PROGRAMME

By Emmanuel Nzomiwu   –   Enugu

Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC) has demanded for the inclusion of Igbo youths in the amnesty programme of the Federal Government.

They insisted that unless Igbo youths get their share like their counterparts in the Niger Delta, President Goodluck Joathan should forget the votes of Ndigbo in the 2015 general elections.

Speaking with journalists in Enugu on Sunday, Organising Secretary of OYC, Okechukwu Isiguzoro(italics ours), said irrespective of who Jonathan was meeting in Igboland, the youths are the people who decide where the votes would go.

Isiguzoro recalled that they were the ones who mobilised massive support for Jonathan in 2011, but today, the Igbo youths have nothing to show for it.

He however commended Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State and Ohanaeze Secretary General, Joe Nwaorgu, for their support for Igbo youths.

Isiguzoro thanked Ndigbo in Anambra State, who obeyed OYC advice and position that All Progressives Congress (APC) has no stake in the South East and voted massively for Willy Obiano of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the governorship election.

“No matter, how much Buhari, Tinubu and our son, Ogbonnaya Onu, patrol the streets of Abuja, it is obvious that APC has no stake in the South East.

“We advice our brother Dr. Chris Ngige to withdraw the suit in court and we congratulate the governor elect of Anambra State, Obiano Willy and also we appreciate Governor Peter Obi for the way he has preserved APGA and Igbo identity”, he said.

“He maintained that if APGA cannot win election in Lagos State, APC cannot win in the South East”.

BUT ARE OHANAEZE NDIGBO WELL GUIDED ASSOCIATING WITH OKECHUKWU ISIGUZORO?

We are bemused by the activities of Chief Okechukwu Isiguzoro who has until his election as Chairman Ohanaeze Youth Wing was parading self as Organising Secretary, Ohanaeze Youth Council, OYC with no regard to any person, Igbo nation and interest including the President Goodluck Azikiwe Ebele Jonathan. Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo since its inception had for the reasons known to her successive Leadership not for once accepted and or chose electing Youth and Women Wings of hers. Even when the Ndubuisi led Ohanaeze Transition Committee that saved Ohanaeze Ndigbo from fratricidal infightings slated YOUTH and WOMEN WINGS elections in December 2006, the hawks in Ohanaeze Ndigbo stopped the two elections after Main wing election.

It is too appalling that opportunity now presented itself with Ohanaeze Youth Wing election through the effrontery of Dr. Joe Nwaorgu, and Ohanaeze Women Wing, OWW, already slated the same youth clique of political jobbery milling around Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo National Secretariat has chosen to embarrass the Igbo Nation and especially same Ohanaeze Ndigbo EXCO empowering them by dancing naked with their Insignias. Making the fears of the previous Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo leadership that OYW may be uncontrollable if empowered, justified! Gari Enwo-Igariwey – Joe Nwaorgu Ohanaeze Team poise for social rebirth should not be made read on undeserved and unwarranted negative characterisations because of the unholy activities of Ohanaeze Youth Wing.

WHY OHANAEZE YOUTH COUNCIL DISAGREE WUTH OKECHUKWU ISIGUZORO: HE HAS NO CHARACTER LINE. Is it not surprising that Okechukwu Isiguzoro just immediately after his emergence as Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing Chairman throws caution to the wings attacking and holding the Office of the President Goodluck Jonathan to contempt and ransoms?  Whereas, the Constitution of the Oha Na-eze NdiIgbo that says: “No wing or popular organ shall exist unless it is endorsed by Ime Obi (See Article 23, Section ii)” has not been fulfilled in terms of recognition and empowerment: Okechukwu Isiguzoro after emerging on Saturday April 5^th did not wait for Ime Obi to empower him before he started his war of holding President Goodluck Jonathan to infamy and Medias are awash with the news that Mr. President has not only underperformed but neglected the Igbo Nation.

For example, Wednesday Vanguard April 08, 2014   /   in News 11:37 am   as reported by Anayo Okoli, it is “IGBO YOUTHS THREATEN TO ABANDON JONATHAN, ACCUSE HIM OF NEGLECT” and we quote:

“IGBO youths under the aegis of Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC) have accused President Goodluck Jonathan of not fulfilled promises he made to them which made them to vote massively for him in the 2011 elections.

The Igbo youths alleged that the Federal Government under President Jonathan has neglected them and their area in infrastructural provision. They said that they were not involved the Government’s empowerment programmes.

They threatened not to support him in 2015 unless they see tangible actions to provide for the welfare of the youths in Igboland.
The new President of Ohaneze Youth Council, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro who made the allegations urged President Jonathan to as a matter of urgency do something for the Igbo youths to feel the impact of his transformation programmes.

Isiguzoro recalled that Igbo youths “worked assiduously to ensure that President Jonathan emerged, but three years after, they were yet to feel the impact of his administration”.

Ohaneze Youth leader noted with regretted the high rate of unemployment among Igbo youths, and appealed to the President to accommodate them in his transformation agenda with regards to    youth development and empowerment.

“I have kept saying it that we mobilized, canvassed and worked seriously to ensure that he (Jonathan) won, but since then, the Igbo youths have not seen any impact of his administration on us.

“So, we call on him to ensure that Igbo youths are accommodated in his transformation agenda. That is the only way we can assure him of our support in future”, the OYC leader said.

Daily Independent reported hers thus:

JONATHAN YET TO FULFILL PROMISES TO IGBO YOUTHS­ – ISIGUZORO

By Emmanuel Nzomiwu, April 9^th 2014, online 

Correspondent, Awka

Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC), on Monday, lamented that President Goodluck Jonathan has not fulfilled the promises he made to Igbo youths who voted massively for him in the 2011 presidential elections.

Speaking with Daily Independent, the newly elected youth leader of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, recalled that Igbo youths worked assiduously to ensure that Jonathan emerged, but three years after, they were yet to feel the impact of his administration.

Isiguzoro, who regretted the high rate of unemployment among Igbo youths, appealed to the President to accommodate them in his transformation agenda with regards to youth development and empowerment.

“I have kept saying it that we mobilised, canvassed and worked seriously to ensure that he (Jonathan) won, but since then, the Igbo youths have not seen any impact as regards his administration, on us. So, we call on him to ensure that Igbo youths are accommodated in his transformation agenda as regards to the youths. That is the only way we can assure him of our support in future” the OYC leader said.

“Isiguzoro called on the Federal Government to set up a South-East Development Commission like the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to cater for welfare of millions of unemployed Igbo youths in the country or include them in the N59.9 billion amnesty programme.

“I also call on the governors of the Southeast to see what they can do for the youth. They have budgets allocated to the youth ministries and we are going to ensure that we visit all the states, all the commissioners for youth development or ministries for youth development, to ensure that the money budgeted in their various states will be fully utilised for youth empowerment programmes,” he said (See Daily Independent, http://dailyindependentnig.com).

For Emmanuel Nzomiwu of Daily Independent, who seem to have recalled that it was not Ohanaeze Youth Council election that took place but Youth wing as he earlier-on advertised, he addressed Isiguzoro in his informal (impersonation) post of Organising Secretary, Ohanaeze Youth Council while reporting him in his post-Ohanaeze Youth Wing Elect Chairmanship.

He reported thus:

Thursday, April 10, 2014

Bottom of Form

OHANAEZE YOUTHS SEEK INCLUSION IN AMNESTY PROGRAMME

By Emmanuel Nzomiwu   –   Enugu

Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC) has demanded for the inclusion of Igbo youths in the amnesty programme of the Federal Government.

They insisted that unless Igbo youths get their share like their counterparts in the Niger Delta, President Goodluck Joathan should forget the votes of Ndigbo in the 2015 general elections.

Speaking with journalists in Enugu on Sunday, Organising Secretary of OYC, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, said irrespective of who Jonathan was meeting in Igboland, the youths are the people who decide where the votes would go.

Isiguzoro recalled that they were the ones who mobilised massive support for Jonathan in 2011, but today, the Igbo youths have nothing to show for it.

He however commended Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State and Ohanaeze Secretary General, Joe Nwaorgu, for their support for Igbo youths.

Isiguzoro thanked Ndigbo in Anambra State, who obeyed OYC advice and position that All Progressives Congress (APC) has no stake in the South East and voted massively for Willy Obiano of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the governorship election.

“No matter, how much Buhari, Tinubu and our son, Ogbonnaya Onu, patrol the streets of Abuja, it is obvious that APC has no stake in the South East.

“We advice our brother Dr. Chris Ngige to withdraw the suit in court and we congratulate the governor elect of Anambra State, Obiano Willy and also we appreciate Governor Peter Obi for the way he has preserved APGA and Igbo identity”, he said.

“He maintained that if APGA cannot win election in Lagos State, APC cannot win in the South East” (See Daily Independent, http://dailyindependentnig.com).

It will be recalled that the same Okechukwu Isiguzoro that accused Mr. President of having neglected and wronging the Igbo; two months ago, precisely, as at January 31^st, this year organized a programme at Ibeku High School, Umuahia Abia state at which he along with Chuks Ibegbu and other youths adopted Governor T.A. Orji for Senate and endorsed President Goodluck Jonathan for continuity in 2015. It was at the event the Governor Orji’s son Mr. Chinedu Orji (a.k.a Ikuku) was reportedly ordered his Police orderly to gun down his father’s Special Adviser one Mr. John who died promptly. Before, then Okechukwu Isiguzoro in his speech while paying homage to Chief Press Secretary to Abia State Governor, Mr. Charles Ajunwa, in preparatory to the main event, he was reported thus: “In his address, Chairman of the Organising Committee, Chief Okechukwu Isiguzoro, said that the occasion which will be chaired by Elder Emma Adaelu, will offer opportunity for the South East people to endorse President Jonathan for re-election in 2015. He called on Abians to troop out en mass to honour the nation’s leader (See Elombah Perspective, January 22^nd 2014 and Biafra Galaxy January 22^nd 2014, both online). How then that Okechukwu Isiguzoro is blowing hot and cold at Igbo’s national interests insulting peoples sensibility. We mean a man (Isiguzoro) who for political jobbery and along with Chuks Ibegbu now claiming outgoing Chairman of Ohanaeze Youth Council adopted Mr. President after long warring him as if he is his age mate has again two months after the said January adoption for 2015 re-election based on good governance and Presidential Transformation Agenda said to be Ndi Igbo’s doing (done without mandate of the Igbo) accused him of inaction and neglect of the Igbo?

As wonders shall never end, Isiguzoro to prove our position that he has no character-line recanted himself 24 hours after accusing President Jonathan of underperformance and neglect of Igbo. This was done on hearing that Mr. President was coming to Enugu on Friday, April 11, 2014 for Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, rally. Read Daily Independent April 10^th 2014, below:

Ohanaeze youths re-affirm support for Jonathan, S’East Govs

By Emmanuel Nzomiwu 

Correspondent, Awka

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council (OYC) has re-affirmed its support for the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan and the South-East Governors Forum.

In a statement on Wednesday, OYC leader, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, assured Jonathan of the cooperation of Igbo youths, saying they are fully in support of his transformation agenda.

Isigugoro pledged the loyalty of the OYC to the South-East Governors Forum, led by Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State as chairman.

He said Igbo youths are ready to give the President warm reception in Enugu on Friday at his Southeast rally, allaying fears that OYC has been hijacked by opposition politicians, adding that they are fully in support of the Jonathan administration under the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Isiguzoro, however, warned all other pro-Igbo youth organisations to key into the parent body, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, even as he dismissed the purported inauguration of a parallel leadership of OYC by some faceless persons.

“The election that produced me was held last Saturday at the Ohanaeze National Secretariat in Enugu under the watchful eyes of an election committee set up by the Ohanaeze Ndigbo leadership. Some people said they are inaugurating Ohanaeze Youth Council in a Hotel in Enugu on Friday. We appeal to security agencies to live up to expectation and stop the purported inauguration by the faceless group,” he said (See Daily Independent, http://dailyindependentnig.com).

It is noteworthy from the foregoing to say that Okechukwu Isiguzoro, whom Ohanaeze Ndigbo seemed to have favoured has no respect for the Office of Mr President and other dignitaries like Dr. Chris Ngige, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, etc. In a report by Information Nigeria, titled “Not Won By Apc In South East – Igbo youths, posted by Danniel on August 8^th 2013, Okechukwu Isiguzoro who was addressed this time as Organising Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo Youth Council, said:

He further declared that Ohaneze youth would not support President Goodluck Jonathan if he decides to contest, unless they are satisfied with his performance before the election.

Isiguzoro disclosed that Abia State Governor, Theodore Orji should be the link between them and the presidency, for discussions.

“T.A. Orji is the only person we have confidence in. T. A is the reason why we have remained calm in spite of the bomb attacks targeted against Igbos in various parts of Northern Nigeria.

“We have also been restrained by our brother who is the Chief of Army Staff. We are therefore giving the president 28 days to call us for a roundtable so that we can take stock, else- we will not guarantee him of even a single vote in 2015,” he said.

In another similar report “2015: We will not support APC; Jonathan may not get our votes – Igbo youths”by Wale Odunsi of Daily Post on August 4, 2013@waleodunsi , went more hare wired speaking for Igbo Nation come 2015 while denouncing Mr. President while as well naming his paymaster as linkman between them and Presidency on forcefully demanded roundtable. Hear him:

“He further declared that Ohaneze youth would not support President Goodluck Jonathan if he decides to contest, unless they are satisfied with his performance before the election.

“Isiguzoro disclosed that Abia State Governor, Theodore Orji should be the link between them and the presidency, for discussions.

“T.A. Orji is the only person we have confidence in. T. A is the reason why we have remained calm in spite of the bomb attacks targeted against Igbos in various parts of Northern Nigeria.

“We have also been restrained by our brother who is the Chief of Army Staff. We are therefore giving the president 28 days to call us for a roundtable so that we can take stock, else- we will not guarantee him of even a single vote in 2015,” he said.

Imagine the act of having thrown decorum to the wind and to be insulting President Goodluck Jonathan giving him 28 days to call him (Okechukwu Isiguzoro) and his cohorts to Roundtable as issued by Isiguzoro “so that we can take stock, else- we will not guarantee him of even a single vote in 2015”? From this threat, and his pre-Abuja adventure consultations with Ohanaeze Youth Council leadership of Mr. Francis Oji agitating for Armnesty for Igbo youths; we are not surprise reading that Okechukwu Isiguzoro made an unsuccessful forceful visit to Mr. President April last year. Which he later but craftily claimed was based on invitation by someone claiming to be Dr. Reuben Abati, Presidential Media Aide; and was surprised it was a false invitation after being turned back from Abuja.

For us at OYC, the unsuspecting public may take his flimsy excuses that he was lured to Abuja; not for us. We decidedly warned him on embarking on such frivolous adventure “Amnesty For Igbo Youths” on the grounds that we support Empowerment of the Igbo youths and not Amnesty that goes with acceptance of wrong doing (treason against the state) and forgiveness; but he refused. Yet he went solo going organizing some uninformed Igbo youths going to ASO ROCK uninvited and when he was embarrassingly loaded back from whence he come, he claimed coming on false invitation. This was after accusing Dr. Reuben Abati of failed abduction intended to assassinate them. We are not surprised that he has under his ill-coveted post of OYC President resumed his amnesty campaign for Igbo youths while attacking Mr. President as if he was his age mate.

Please anybody that has the ears of Okechukwu Isiguzoro and co. tell them to stop this NAUSEATING AMNESTY CAMPAIGN FOR IGBO YOUTHS SINCE IGBO YOUTHS ARE VICTIM OF NIGERIA AND HAVE NOT COMMITTED ANY CRIME OR TREASON AGAINST NIGERIA STATE. The idea of Igbo youths being victim of Nigeria has seen the nascent agitation for the restoration of Peoples Republic of Biafra more and aggressively embraced by the Igbo youths who are denied equality in Nigerian nationality. And they have been winning the ground that those who abandons the league of ethnic militias thrown bombs and firing guns chasing armless Igbo youths have the main story of this Igbo youth uprising for Biafra to tell better.  Of course, Nigeria that locked Ndi Igbo out after the war and abandoned the Biafra – Nigeria war Treaty is the major cause of this Igbo youths led Biafra agitation since agreement breached by one party may not be all legally binding on the other! We must say that we demand all inclusive youth programme for not only Igbo youths but whole Nigerian youths!

Outspokenly, we are happy to announce that the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing seemed to have rediscovered her Ohanaeze Ndigbo constitutionally stated status of hers as seen through her able Publicity Secretary Comrade Obinna Adibe who came out vividly and diplomatically attempting to remedy the damage not only done to Ohanaeze Ndigbo but Igbo nation by distancing Okechukwu Isiguzoro’s inflammatory statements and lack of respect for the Elders and constituted authority especially Mr. President. He said the following through a statement he transmitted to Media and signed as National Publicity Secretary, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing (mind you not Ohanaeze Youth Council) while responding to allegation by Igbo’s well-meaning South East Youth Consultative Forum that accused Ohanaeze Youth Wing Leaders of playing politics with and as well rude with the name and office of President Goodluck Jonathan and this was reported by Kenechukwu Amazuoke and Published on Monday, 14 April 2014 23:39 by Elombah Perspective among other Medias:

“Press release – It has come to the notice of the newly elected leadership of the Ohanaeze Youth Wing (italics ours) that some reactionary elements under the auspices of a non-existing group tagged South East Youth Consultative Forum are poised to distract this leadership form our onerous task of re-positioning the personality and psyche of the Igbo youth in particular …………… In their reaction to an on-the-spot but sincere interview granted by the National Leader of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing (italics ours), Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, where he demanded that the President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan should redouble his efforts of commensurably rewarding Ndigbo for their unwavering support for his 2011 election as that will form the basis for further support come 2015.

“We wish to state that, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing (italics ours) is not at war with the President; we remain nonpartisan, belonging neither to the ruling party or any of the opposition parties. The good of NdiIgbo remains our focal point.

“We acknowledge the fact that Mr. President has done well in terms of patronages and infrastructural development in Igboland………………… (See Elombah Perspective online)”.

SUBMISSION:

While we do not want to believe the news making round that Abia’s unsavory reputation group has captured Igbo leadership with Dr. Joe Nwaorgu becoming Ohanaeze Ndigbo Scribe, Governor T.A. Orji of Abia having become Chairman, South East Governors’ Forum, and that the duo have facilitated the emergence of its leading hooting dog Okechukwu Isiguzoro as Chairman Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing with Chuks Ibegbu complimenting?

Of course, we must submit that we hold the duo of Joe Nwaorgu and T.A. Orji in high esteem as we also respect the good people of Abia: Yet they must take a stand on Okechukwu Isiguzoro going to places with their names including Medias together with his blotted and sullied hands. We know Okechukwu Isiguzoro and cohorts to be characterless and ill-gotten goods seekers; and by the time they are done with Ohanaeze Ndigbo that allegedly empowered him, Ohanaeze Ndigbo will be wondering whether his (Isiguzoro’s) was a curse or blessing having one speaking from both sides of his mouth and dancing naked around the cities playing games with Igbo centred concerns insulting constituted authorities and peoples sensibilities? Ohanaeze will surely regret having anything to do with Isiguzoro, Ibegbu and cohorts!

It is our wish to state here that Ohanaeze Youth Council ably led President Francis Oji with Comrade Uzochukwu Chukwuebuka Uzochukwu as Secretary General has nothing to do with alleged OYC inflammatory statements, incursion into party politics and disrespect for President Jonathan. We are not hooting dogs of any perverse political interest funded by the most underperforming elected leader in South East and will never be. OYC is purely a socio-cultural and independent Igbo Youth Command Organ that is after Igbo homecoming as part of the Indigenous peoples of the world.

We have called for Igbo referendum to determine Igbo’s political future and not happy that our OYC is being used to wage bread and butter political wars cum arroyo politics (See Group Calls for Referendum to Determine Igbo Future, Daily Newswatch, May 14, 2013 p.25). While we boldly and openly denounce Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Chuks Ibegbu and cohorts who use Ohanaeze Youth Council for political hatchery and errand-boyism attacking personalities, parties and governments we declare unreserved support for President Jonathan. Our assessment of President Jonathan and what he has achieved and or not especially as it relates to Igbo nation that sacrificed her quest for Aso Rock Seat of Power for him to rule will come after 2015. We understand that there are devilish political and religious currents and under-currents going-on in Nigeria as seen promoted by international cabals and local cabal agents and maliciously and malevolently celebrated by even those who supposed provide leadership and directions. To us, Mr. President is not to blame!  Meaning that our position declaring supports for President Jonathan: “OHANAEZE WARNS BOKO HARAM, Leave Jonathan Alone or Expect Trouble” as reported by Saturday Sun November 19, 2011 front page & p.12 has not changed. We reiterate our statement as published by the aforesaid Saturday Sun: “Ohanaeze Youth have warned the Boko Haram sect, any further attempts to subvert the sovereign position of Nigeria under President Goodluck Jonathan, will necessitate the redefinition of safety lines as was in the case of 1960’s.  ……… issuing this warning during a press conference at Amawbia, Anambra state …….a member of Board of Trustees of Ohanaeze Youth Council, Mazi Okwu Okwu, said that if Jonathan is frustrated out of power, Nigeria will cease to exist”.

We also stand by another OYC published statement, which in part read:

“Ohanaeze Youth Council has lauded the Federal Government over the opening of Akanu Ibiam International Airport, describing it as a catalyst for business destination in Eastern Nigeria.

“…the council also lauded President Goodluck Jonathan over the dredging of River Niger and commissioning of Onitsha River-port and Orient Petroleum Refinery, which made Anambra the tenth oil producing state in Nigeria.

“It is a big credit to President Goodluck Jonathan and the Aviation Minister Princess Stella Oduah, not from point of favour but appreciating a move aimed at improving the economy by opening of the airport to international flights (See Vanguard, Friday, September 13, 2013, p.38)”

We also disassociate ourselves and Ohanaeze Youth Council from the unwarranted arrests of Comrades Chilos Godsent, Zulu Ofoelue and co. on Friday, April 11^th 2014 in Enugu on alleged intent to factionalise Ohanaeze Youth Council with police harassment that accompanied it including alleged undertaking and is worried that infighting among Igbo youths has come, this stupendous low and ignominy. It was ordered by Okechukwu Isiguzoros and Chuks Ibegbus, of the Ohanaeze Youth Wing who dubiously poses as Ohanaeze Youth Council leaders.  Assuming that Chilos Godsent and co. are organizing rival Ohanaeze Youth Council inauguration in Enugu without conceding to Chilos Godsent and co. the rights to doing so; it is not in our Character to war against our fellow Igbo youths using security men orchestrating our mission as seen doing by Isiguzoro and others of Ohanaeze Youth Wing. We, must submit that information at our disposal as we asked Chilos Godsent to do; tell us that while some aspirants paid no money for the initially slated Chilos and co. OYC convention, those that paid money are been refunded, if not totally refunded.

We wondered if Okechukwu Isiguzoro led Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing had the clearance of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and its apex inner council Ime Obi that is yet to endorse her and the youth wing election producing them before embarking on this Generalissimos’ wars on fellow Igbo youths claiming that all Ndigbo youths must submit to Ohanaeze Ndigbo under one fold?. Is this what to be expected of present Ohanaeze Ndigbo and her neophyte youth wing in 21^st century that freedom of association is gone in Igboland? We must make it known that while Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing is an appendage organisation of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Ohanaeze Youth Council is the Igbo youths’ independent command organ working and complimenting the positive activities of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and Igbo Nation in general.

For us at Ohanaeze Youth Council led by Francis Oji, we believe in intellectual militancy and reasonable cause than waging political wars and thugery. We are watching and waiting to meet in court of competent jurisdiction with anyone who claims, usurps and or impersonates Ohanaeze Youth Council leadership and roles as one of the matured ways of handling issues in this jet age. Therefore, Ohanaeze Ndigbo must act swiftly on Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Chuks Ibegbu and cohorts before they throw Igbo nation into intra-ethnic wars or cause ill-feelings for Igbo and her much challenged nationality within and outside Igbo-spheres. A stitch in time, they say, saves nine!

S.O.S: OUR LIVES IN DANGER AND THREATENED BY OKECHUKWU ISIGUZORO: May we use this medium to say that Okechukwu Isiguzoro has through phone calls threatened our Secretary of B. O.T and Project Expansion Officer, Mazi Okwu Okwu, that his days are numbered and his security is no-longer guaranteed in Igboland for disassociating himself from his intent to monopolizing Ohanaeze Youth leadership and as well hanging terrorism charges on Chilos Godsent and co. and rebuffing the threat to extending same to him and other OYC Leaders. Mazi Okwu Okwu’s crime was standing firm and boldly telling him that Ohanaeze is no one’s monopoly. That Ohanaeze is Igbo nation’s political concept talking about marriage of Oha (Society) and Eze (Popular leader) for popular and ultimate good and is no one or group’s registered trademark. He cited that in Yoruba land that we have youths organising as Odua Peoples Congress, OPC, respectively led by two factional leaders namely Dr. Fredrick Fasehun and Otunba Gani Adams, Odua Liberation Movement, OLM, led by Dr. Femi Obayori, Odua Republic Congress, ORC; who along with host of others came under the umbrella of Coalition Of Odua Self-determination Group, COSEG led by Comrade Rasak Olokoba. Isiguzoro got swayed threatening thunder and brimstones: “Are we Yorubas? Are you importing Yoruba culture to Igboland? For this You, Mazi Okwu Okwu’s security is no longer guaranteed in Igboland”. He (Isiguzoro) also claimed that he was the one delaying the Police from taking Chilos Godsent, Zulu Ofoelue and co. out of Igboland to waste them. And may be forced to let it happened. We want to believe that this is not how terrorist are made? And would like the Inspector general of Police, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar to investigate Enugu State Commissioner of Police and his men whom Okechukwu Isiguzoro claims to be working with, its alleged culpability in an attempt aimed at wasting Chilos Godsent and co. under framed allegation of being terrorists for meeting on the day President Goodluck visited Enugu including his threat to Mazi Okwu Okwu and other Ohanaeze Youth Council leaders.

Notwithstanding that Ohanaeze Ndigbo in her successive years have not been Igbo youths friendly leading to no single Igbo youth making the ongoing 2014 National Conference; we still respect her as Igbo’s apex body. Assuming that Ohanaeze Ndigbo presently led by Chief Gary Enwo-Igariwey has elected to have youth wing in place and did well by electing one last two Saturdays they should not only be commended but be told to be wary of having tigers riding on its back in veil of youth leaders. We, OYC leadership and followership while believing in Igbo’s Indigenous Peoples’ Rights to Nationhood, and having make call for a referendum as at 2013 in our AWKA MILLENIAL DECLARATION: AGENDA FOR THE IGBO YOUTHS – PROCLAIMED BY OHANAEZE YOUTH COUNCIL, OYC (herein); we wish to reiterate our position on 2015 Presidential election, which may or may not come and the politics around it – we are leaving Ohanaeze Ndigbo and other reputable Igbo personalities and leaders of thought deciding while we keep watch.

It is pertinent for us to make a categorical issue that Okechukwu Isiguzoros and Chuks Ibegbus of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing who poses as leaders of Ohanaeze Youth Council has no rights whatsoever to represent Ohanaeze Youth Council in any way and capacity.  But we must ask the following salient questions to all those masquerading as OYC Leaders and Representatives without the mandate of President Francis Oji and as well re-inform the general public:

1. While we hold every Igbo Youth in high esteem, we advise them not to come up with infightings capable of putting them and Igbo nation in a bad light.

1. We call on every Igbo youth not to factionalise or cause disaffection within Ohanaeze Youth Council: Instead they should for once address their  grievances to Ohanaeze Youth Council leadership or its Board of Trustees; or come up with any Pan Igbo youth organisation of their likes.

1. We grant anyone the right to hold contrary views but misinformation and threats to lives ought not to be part of it.

1. For those accused of coming up inaugurating new Ohanaeze Youth Council Executive last Friday, we dare asked: At which meeting of Ohanaeze Youth Council, OYC was Prince Oji’s Exco declared to have had expired and Convention slated and held that a new Executive is being inaugurated? Whereas Francis Oji’s Exco came in through Owerri November 2010 convention with another coming up later this year making his a four years mandate; it is unconstitutional, unlawful, null and void for anyone or group to wakeup organizing and installing any new Ohanaeze Youth Council Executive.

1. We may not wish Chilos Godsent and cohort’s ill-luck; but we wondered why he should embark on his mission to factionalise OYC without first tabling his grievances/matters to Ohanaeze Youth Council or her youth leaders or Igbo Leaders of thought or Ohanaeze Ndigbo as an apex body of Ndigbo? We warn against infightings among Igbo Youths and as well considered it as a disservice to Igbo Nation and legacy doing so; as seen leading to the arrest of Chilos Godsent, Zulu Ofoelue and co. in Enugu recently.

1. However, NO ONE SHOULD BE DISTURBED while he exercises his Man’s inalienable rights including freedom of association and whoever has a case should refer to Ohanaeze Ndigbo as Igbo’s Apex body, Igbo leaders of thought, Ohanaeze Youth Council or go to Court. This, we must warn, does not in any way give people the rights to go factionalising Ohanaeze Youth Council as Igbo Youths independent command organ ably led by Prince Francis Oji or impersonating her leaders.

1. We must submit that those holding charges against Chilos Godsent, Zulu Ofoelue and co. have nothing to do with Ohanaeze Youth Council known to us, Igbo Nation and public. They are the new Leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing led by Chief Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Chuks Ibegbu who also misinforms the public claiming that Ohanaeze Youth Wing is same as Ohanaeze Youth Council: Whereas, Constitution of the Oha Na-Eze Ndigbo as quoted supra has no place for Ohanaeze Youth Council but Youth Wing.

1. In view of the above, Prince Francis Ijoma Oji remains the President of the OHANAEZE YOUTH COUNCIL, known to the OYC members and the public.

1. More so, our doors are still open for reconciliation with any person or group of persons who rightly or wrong felt being wronged including but not limited to Comrade Chilos Godsent. The issue of having police charging Chilos Godsent and others to Court for monetary extortion alleging illegal sales of forms to unsuspecting Igbo youths over his botched illegal Ohanaeze Youth Council Convention is not best decision. Neither the attempt to hang terrorists’ charges on their necks for just being opinion leaders! We are one family! Igbo nation’s interest should be paramount to any Igbo especially now that we are more challenged fighting to assert ourselves before the Drunken Leviathans and as well exercise our Nature’s given MAN’s INALIENABLE RIGHTS as part of the Indigenous People of Africa – to through referendum decide whether to continue being in Nigeria where we are killed daily like fowls with our properties destroyed or restore the Peoples’ Republic of Biafra!

1. We commend the efforts of Ohanaeze Ndigbo through the impudence President, Chief Gary Enwo-Igariwey and his sagacious Secretary Dr. Joe Nwaorgu for taking the bull by the horns attempting for the first time putting Ohanaeze Youth Wing and Ohanaeze Women Wing in place.

1. We also, wish to state that despite the odds, we still respect and will work in fellowship with Ohanaeze Ndigbo as apex body of Ndigbo, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing (with right focus) and other Igbo well-meaning organisations including all pro-Igbo/Biafra self-determination groups for Great Igbo and Black Peoples homecoming.

SIGNED FOR OHANAEZE YOUTH COUNCIL, OYC: Dated April 14, 2014

Prince Francis Ijoma Oji                           Mazi Okwu Okwu

President, OYC                                         Project Expansion Officer/Secretary B. O. T. OYC

Comrade Uzochukwu C. Uzochukwu

Secretary General, OYC

Find attached: The following document speaks and tells well our Ohanaeze Youth Council characterization, dreams and goals for Igbo Nation and man/woman in Africa.

05/05/2013: AWKA MILLENIAL DECLARATION: AGENDA FOR THE IGBO YOUTHS – PROCLAIMED BY OHANAEZE YOUTH COUNCIL, O.Y.C.

1. Be first good learners/followers before aspiring to leadership positions [especially in politics].
2. Know that politics is not a vocation.
3. Beware of conquest histories and scholarship.
4. Be conscious of Igbo universe and embrace Igbo cultural re-awakening and be mother-tongue proactive.
5. Be assertive when it comes to Igbo challenges within and without the Nigerian time and social spaced borders.
6. Be students of history, be after human collectives and avoid divisive spirituality.
7. Live Igbo-plus life and be after human goodness and desist from the culture of get-rich-quick syndrome.
8. Be careful when it comes to making political pronouncements especially where Igbo interests/ matter is at stake.
9. Form and join communities for the purpose of advancing Igbo living and achieving cultures.
10. Hear the gong of Igbo home-coming and join the liberation movement.
11. Embrace the concepts of Mmadụ and Uche Bụ Akụ.
12. We call on all Igbo to be enterprising and at the same time embrace THINK-ON HOME PHILOSOPHY.
13. It is high time we resurrected the spirit of Biafran creative ingenuity and live industrious and ingenious life.
14. Without sounding cowardice: Beware of the Nigerian dark sky and if war is to come, it must not be fought on Igbo soil again.
15. Get interested in Igbo’s intellectual wealth, tradition and political quest.
16. Be Igbo identity conscious and movers of African universe as pioneered by Ziks, Osadebeys, Okparas, Ibiams, Ojukwus, etc.
17. Should have role models and live exemplary life.
18. Be Igbo and Black humanism Ambassadors but never compromise your social identity.
19. We in line with Igbo’s political philosophy “ASỊKAABỤRỤ ANYỊ A BỤRỤ” say enough to the senseless and wanton killings of the Igbo in any part of Nigeria and may take appropriate measures to countermand. Silence is not cowardice!
20. Be silent on 2015 Presidential quest and politics which may or may not come while minding Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo and reputable Igbo leaders of thought decide/lead opinion.
21. We say no to any further federal elections in Igbo land based on imposed 1999 constitution or constitution not emanating from the people.
22. Advance the grounds of socio-political and cultural unity of the Eastern and Mid-West Regions [otherwise called South East and South South] for greater ideals and achievable commonwealth.
23. We declare quest for stronger ties with our Southern Nigerian peoples and our neighbouring Middle Belters who still believe in democratic alternatives and constitutionalism.
24. Above all, we reject the British imposed “force theory” and activities of the internal colonizers estranging the Nigeria critical mass; all making nuisance of our huge natural and human resources.
25. We call for a referendum to determine the Igbo’s political future within or outside Nigeria as enunciated in the United Nations declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, 2007.

Long Live NdiIgbo!

Long live the Igbo Motive Spirit!

Long live the ideals of great humanity

Signed By:

Comrade Francis Oji                  Comrade Chulwuebuka Uzochukwu

President General,                     Secretary General,

Ohanaeze Youth Council         Ohanaeze Youth Council

Mazi Okwu Okwu

Secretary, Board of Trustees,

Ohanaeze Youth Council