Nwifuru commends NASS members

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…as Sen Eze Empowers Constituents
From Nnenna Mba- Abakaliki
Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has commended members of the National Assembly from Ebonyi State, for ensuring the welfare of their constituents as top priority.
Nwifuru stated this on Saturday during the Thanksgiving Service and Empowerment programme organized by the Senator representing Ebonyi Central Senatorial zone, Sen Kenneth Eze, held at Amagu, Ezza South LGA, Ebonyi State.
The Governor said, for the first time, all National Assembly members from the State, are doing exceptionally well, especially in human empowerment, infrastructure development and good relationship with the people.
He also praised the cooperation and unity that exist among the Lawmakers despite Party differences, describing it as the first of its kind.
“At this particular point in time, God blessed Ebonyi State with good leaders at the National Assembly. For the first time, that all our National Assembly members are doing exceptionally well in the area of Human empowerment, infrastructure development and good relationship with the people.
“The members of the National Assembly are very unassuming and more importantly, the cooperation and unity that exist among them, despite that they are in different political parties. They don’t have time to gossip against themselves.”
“They are doing very well and we have nothing against them. And as a leader of the Party, I will not be the one to start generating crisis in my house and I won’t be ready to fund crisis in my house”, the Governor said.
He urged those warming up to replace the Lawmakers in the next election to wait, as he would not be a party to stopping any of the Lawmakers from going back in 2027, except the person uses his hand to stop himself.
“So, you need to wait. If God says that any of the National Assembly members will not go back, it’s not going to be your making but theirs. Anybody that God doesn’t want back, God will package it in such a way that none of us will be blamed, because, I don’t want to be blamed.
“I won’t reject going for a second tenure, so I won’t stop any other person from going for a second tenure”, Governor Nwifuru concluded.
He urged those that have commenced consultation ahead of the 2027 to have a rethink, as according to him, the time is still too far.
“It’s too early to start discussing 2027 now. So, don’t start now to waste your money and time doing consultation”, he advised.
Senator Kenneth Eze in his speech, said he initiated the empowerment programme to complement the efforts of the Governor who he said had rolled out so many empowerment programmes for the people of Ebonyi State since he assumed office.
He thanked the Governor for honoring the invitation despite his tight schedules, saying, he won’t take it for granted.
“I thank you immensely for making our time to honor me, very significant for honoring me, I won’t take it for granted .I know how tight your schedules are, but you still sacrificed your time to be here, to honor me. Your Excellency, I want to say that the host of angels of God will honor you, all the days of your life”, Eze said.
Eze further assured the Governor that the people of the zone, would replicate his love for them through their massive vote for him, come 2027 election.
Stakeholders who spoke at the event including the Senate Deputy Chief Whip, Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi; Member representing Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency, Hon Chinedu Ogah; the State Chairman of APC, Chief Stanley Okoro-Emegha; former member of House of representatives, Hon Lazarus Ogbee; and the Retired Chief Judge of the State High Court, Justice Aloy Nwankwo, commended Senator Eze for offering quality representation to the people of Ebonyi Central Senatorial zone.
Items distributed by Senator Eze include: 14 Mini Buses, 2 Toyota Sienna Cars, 4 Toyota Corolla Cars, 100 Motorcycles , 40 Tricycles, 100 Grounding Machines, 100 Sewing Machines,150 Spraying Machines, 14 Big Freezers, 12 Laptops for Students,10,000 bags of Rice 5kg, 100 bags of 25kg rice, 50 bags of 50kg rice, 2000 bags of fertilizer
and 100 cartons of liquid fertilizer, Thousands of Exercise books for schools across the zone, among other items.

Ugota Unity Cup: Green Revolution FC Onueke, Bombers of Amudo Emerge Winners

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Ugota Unity Cup: Green Revolution FC Onueke, Bombers of Amudo Emerge Winners
From Nnenna Mba- Abakaliki
The grand finale of Dr. Darlington Ugota Unity Cup has produced the Green Revolution FC of Onueke and the Bombers of Amudo FC as winners from the senior and junior cadre respectively.
In a thrilling football competition, Green Revolution FC defeated the Azuebonyi FC, while the Bombers of Amudo defeated the Flying Pigeon of Idembia with one goal each.
The grand finale of the event, which took place at the Onueke township stadium in the Ezza South Local Government Area of Ebonyi state, attracted the presence of the state Governor, Francis Nwifuru, and a host of others.
Speaking at the event held at Onueke township stadium in Ezza south local government area, Ebonyi state, Governor Nwifuru represented by Hon. Richard Idike,  Commissioner for youth and sports development in the state, commended the sponsor of the competition for investing in his people.
He reiterated the state’s commitments to promoting sports activities in the state as a way of creating employment opportunities and generating revenues for both players and investors.
“To us, sports used to be just for fun, but now we have realized that it’s financially attractive; that is why today we have established the Abakaliki football club, and it is sponsored by the state.
“All the financial requirements for the club activities for the year have been approved by the state, and this is to demonstrate that the current government is committed to promoting sports in the state.” Nwifuru said.
Earlier, Dr. Ugota had disclosed that his intention for the football tournament is to observe the performance of players in order to help develop their talents and make them export football stars through the Estington Football Academy, which was unveiled at the close of event.
“I want to assure you that we are not going to leave anyone halfway, we have selected some persons who have displayed very well, and we are going to unveil our football academy, and those who have been selected would be automatically placed on scholarship in the academy” Dr Ugota assured.
Speaking on the prospects of the Estington football academy, he expressed optimism that it would go as far as being able to produce superstars at the grassroots level while reiterating his earlier determination to bring his investments home to develop his people.
“We are starting the academy from our local government level, which is Ezza South, then we move to Abakaliki, the state capital, then across the country.” He added
Meanwhile, the chairman of the local organizing committee, Barrister Ifeanyi Nworie, said the essence of the unity cup, which is aimed at uniting the people irrespective of political affiliation, cannot be overemphasized.
While congratulating the winners, he advised the youths to take advantage of the Estington football academy and improve their lives.
The winners of the senior cadre, the Green Revolution FC, won a grand prize of 2 million naira, while the 1st and 2nd runner-up took home the sum of 1.5 and 1 million naira, respectively.
Also in the junior category, the
Bombers of Amudo FC was awarded the sum of 700,000, while the 1st and 2nd runners-up were awarded the sum of 500,000 and 300,000, naira respectively.

Governor Bala Sacks Five Commissioners, nominates eight new 

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Governor Bala Sacks Five Commissioners, nominates eight new 

From Ahmad saka, Bauchi

Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has sacked five commissioners in a sudden cabinet reshuffle and he nominated eight people as new commissioners.

A statement issued to newsmen in Bauchi by the Special Adviser to the governor on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado early Tuesday said

“The affected commissioners are Dr. Jamila Muhammad Dahiru, Ministry of Education; Barr. Abubakar Abdulhameed Bununu, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs; Comrade Usman Danturaki, Ministry of Information and Communication, Professor Simon Madugu Yalams, Ministry of Agriculture and Alhaji Yakubu Ibrahim Hamza, Ministry of Religious Affairs and Societal Reorientation”.

Gidado said “In a strategic effort to reinvigorate governance and ensure optimal service delivery to the people of Bauchi State, His Excellency, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, the Executive Governor of Bauchi State, has approved the reconstitution of his cabinet. In that respect, five commissioners were dropped,” the statement said.

“The governor has, however, forwarded eight names to the State Assembly to be screened as commissioners”.

He said “The new prospective commissioners include Hon. Isa Babayo Tilde and Dr. Mohammed Lawal Rimin Zayam from Toro Local Government (LG), Abdullahi Mohammed from Misau LG and Dr. Bala Musa Lukshi from Dass LG. Others are Usman Usman Shehu from Shira LG, Iliyasu Aliyu Gital and Prof. Titus Saul Ketkukah from Tafawa Balewa LG and Hon Adamu Babayo Gabarin from Darazo LG”.

Last Month Bauchi State Secretary to the State Government Barrister Ibrahim Mohammed Kashim had earlier resigned but reasons for the resignation were not made public.

Governor Bala has already appointed Alhaji. Aminu Hammayo as the new Secretary to the State Government,

who was until his appointment was the state commissioner for budget and economic planning.

The statement added that the move was part of the governor’s commitment to injecting new ideas and energy into governance, in line with his vision of strengthening the machinery of government in the state.

Anambra massacre: Ihiala monarch curses killer gunmen, declares 4-day mourning period for slain kingsmen

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Anambra massacre: Ihiala monarch curses killer gunmen, declares 4-day mourning period for slain kingsmen
By Chuks Eke
The traditional ruler of Ihiala community in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, Igwe Thomas Obidiegwu has declared a four-day  mourning and prayers period for one of their illustrious sons and Kingsman, Chief Donatus  Onuchukwu and  nine others who were brutally massacred at the Onuchukwu’s family residence during preparations for the burial of their late mother, Mrs. Bridget  Onuchukwu at Umuike Ubahuekwem Ihiala.
The declaration came amidst curses by Igwe Obidigwe against the killer gunmen, even as he prayed for the repose of the souls of the Innocent victims.
Onuchukwu and nine others, including security operatives had been mowed down by the vitious gunmen during last week’s brutal attack by yet to be identified gunmen at the Ubahuekwem village of Ihiala.
But in his mourning notice signed by his Palace Secretary, Barr.  Emmanuel Mkpo and made available to newsmen in Awka on Tuesday, Igwe Obidiegwu noted that the mourning period started on  Monday January 6 and would end on Thursday, January 9, 2025.
According to the statement, during the mourning period, a minute of silence would be observed at all public events and gatherings in Ihiala as a tribute to the victims who lost their lives in the heinous attack.
In addition,  the statement continued, a comprehensive profiling  of residents of the community would be conducted across all villages of Ihiala to ensure proper identification of residents, and at the same time promote heightened vigilance within the community as part of measures to  address security concerns in the area.
The monarch however commended the promt and  swift actions taken by the State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo and his declaration of a state of emergency on challenges of  insecurity in Ihiala town as well as his pledge for full support to all initiatives  aimed  at restoring peace and security, in the area.
The statement further  assured that  the people of Ihiala stand united and would continue to support  Governor Solido’s efforts toward ensuring that  justice is served, while fostering long-term peace and safety in the town.
Igwe Obidiegwu recalled that the Ihekamba Onuchukwu family  of Umuike Ubahuekwem Ihiala, has long been recognized for their significant contributions toward the development of Ihiala community in particular, Anambra state and Nigeria in general.

Breaking: Gov Okpebholo Appoints Ex-THISDAY Editor SA, Int’ al Development Partners

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Breaking: Gov Okpebholo Appoints Ex-THISDAY Editor SA, Int’ al Development Partners

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has approved the appointment of Collins Edomaruse as his Special Adviser, International Development Partners. Before his appointment, Edomaruse, a Fellow of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (FNGE) is also a founding member of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers of Nigeria (GOCOP). As Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of METROWATCH, he held several senior Editorial positions in THISDAY, including Group News Editor, Group Politics Editor, Deputy Editor (Daily, Saturday and Sunday titles), and Editor, Nation’s Capital/Abuja Bureau.

Popularly known as ‘General’ because of his mastery of the Defence Beat, his records in THISDAY have remained unbeaten where he ranked the best among the Editors. I will fearlessly tell his (our) stories another day!

NUJ Passes Vote Of Confidence On Gov Alia’s CPS, Kula.

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NUJ Passes Vote Of Confidence On Gov Alia’s CPS, Kula.

 

The Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ, Benue state Chapter, has passed a vote of confidence on Chief press secretary to the Governor Hyacinth Alia, Sir Tersoo Kula.

This comes during the NUJ State Congress on Wednesday at its headquarters in Makurdi.

The NUJ says, the Chief Press Secretary has performed excellently in his line of duty as the spokesperson for the Benue state Governor.

NUJ Chairman, Comrade Bemdoo Ugber speaking on behalf of the union lauds the Chief Press Secretary, describing him as a seasoned Journalist who has demonstrated resilience, boldness, and accountability as image-maker to his principal, Rev Fr Dr Hyacinth Iormem Alia in promoting and defending the activities of the Benue State Government.

The NUJ pledges to support the government and encourage the CPS to the governor to remain focused and uphold the ethics of the profession while performing his duties.

Comrade Ugber also appealed for support from the Benue State Government to renovate the NUJ House and provide a befitting vehicle for the union to enable it to function effectively.

Chief Press Secretary to the Benue State Governor, Sir Tersoo Kula in his response appreciates his colleagues for the honour done him, and says, he is working tirelessly to promote the government but will be mindful to ensure that his principal is not undermined in public light by those against the goodwill of the state.

While pledging his support to the NUJ, Sir Kulas donated a generator set to the union to solve the issue of power supply and promises to liaise with the Governor in ensuring that they enjoy stable power supply and renovate their complex.

Former Commissioner for Information and Culture, Dr. Cletus Akwaya in his remarks also lauds the notable works of the Chief Press Secretary in the Alia’s administration. He pledged to provide initiatives that would support the union. He charges all journalists in the state to refrain from partisan politics but remain transparent and unbiased in their reportage about the people and Government.

Anambra 2025; Ukachukwu Dismisses Influence Of Church Denomination Says Capacity Is Key

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Anambra 2025; Ukachukwu Dismisses Influence Of Church Denomination Says Capacity Is Key

By Okey Maduforo Awka.

Gubernatorial aspirant of the All Progressives Congress APC Chief Nicholas Ukachukwu on Wednesday dismissed claims in some quarters that Christian denomination always decided who becomes governor of Anambra state.

Ukachukwu who was member of the Federal House of Representatives between 1999 and 2003 while addressing members of the APC in Awka contended that since the history of Anambra politics the church never influenced the victory of any gubernatorial candidate contending that it has to do with capacity and pedigree.

“I have been in politics since 1999 and have been a major stakeholder in Anambra politics and with those that had emerged in the past never ran their elections on the platform of Christian denominations”

“The essence of this analogy is for those who may have gone to sleep on the belief that the churches decide the fate our politics should retrace their steps and face the hard fact about our politics ” he noted.

Ukachukwu further promised that he will not leave the party after winning the election and also stated that whoever that wins the ticket of the party shout be given all the support for the party to in the forth coming election come November this year.

Speaking earlier the Chairman of the party Chief Basil Ejidike described Ukachukwu as one politician that is known by all and sundry adding that the party would always provide a level playground for all the aspirants to contest in the primary election.

“,we know our brother and friend Chief Nicholas Ukachukwu and he has a record of consistency in Anambra politics and there is no one that do not know him. since 1998 til date ”

“We also have other Aspirants contesting for the ticket of the party and we shall provide a level playground for all of them to take part in the primary election” he said.

UZODIMMA TO DELIVER KEY NOTE ADDRESS AT DAVOS 25.

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UZODIMMA TO DELIVER KEY NOTE ADDRESS AT DAVOS 25.

 

Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma has been nominated as a keynote speaker at this year’s Africa House Future Forum at Davos, Switzerland.

Africa House is an action platform where forward-thinking global leaders convene annually to co create solutions, foster collaboration, and drive impactful initiatives towards the development of the continent.

In a letter to the Governor inviting him to Davos, the Co founder of Africa House, Mamaodu Toure disclosed that Uzodimma was selected as a speaker because of his “dedication towards fostering transparency, accountability and progress through his leadership of Imo State ”

” With a strong background in politics, governance, and international studies, you bring a visionary approach to advancing economic and social development,” the letter further read.

Toure also reflected on the qualities that recommended Uzodimma for the role of a keynote Speaker at the conference ,saying that the governor is a “resilient leader whose commitment to unity and growth of Imo state reflects your passion for building a prosperous and inclusive governance Imo State. He added, “Your leadership as the governor of Imo state showcases your dedication to fostering transparency, accountability and progress”. The Secretary General of the African Continental Free Trade Agreements, Wamkele Mene, was announced as one of the prestigious co chairs at the conference.

The theme of the conference which kicks off on the 20th of this month is Africa: The future lives here, leading generations into a new era.

The co-founder explained that the theme ” reflects our mission to foster collaboration, build partnership and accelerate Africa’s trajectory towards a prosperous future.”

He said Uzodimma’s ” expertise and partnership as a speaker and panellist would help shape the future of sustainability, economic development and entrepreneurship on the continent ”

He said that as a lead speaker, Uzodimma will also share his transformative experiences in Imo State so as to encourage other African leaders to toe the same path.

This international recognition for Uzodimma for his developmental initiatives, in the state ,especially in driving accountability and transparency in governance, is coming barley two months after the World Bank, similarly awarded him Four Million US Dollars for running an accountable administration.

North-Central APC Forum asks Tinubu to watch SGF Akume over alliance with Ortom against Gov Alia

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North-Central APC Forum asks Tinubu to watch SGF Akume over alliance with Ortom against Gov Alia

 

The North-Central All Progressives Congress, APC, Forum, has asked President Bola Tinubu to ‘watch’ Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, for allegedly working with opposition politicians to destabilize the APC in the North-Central zone.

The North-Central APC Forum made the call in a statement released by its Chairman, Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, on Monday.

The call followed indications of a fresh alliance between Akume and immediate past governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, against the sitting Governor, Reverend Hyacinth Alia.

Akume has been engaged in a face-off with Alia over the control of the party in Benue, while Ortom’s administration is being proved by Alia’s government.

However, there are indications that the two former Benue governors have formed an alliance against Alia.

Ortom, who left the APC for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, during his tenure as governor, was among the dignitaries at a thanksgiving event held at Konshisha Local Government Area of Benue State over the weekend to honour the SGF.

The event was also organised to celebrate the 50th birthday of one of Akume’s major loyalists, Dr. Matthias Byuan, an Executive Director at the Federal Housing Authority, FHA.

Alia’s Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, had in statement, criticised Ortom’s presence at the event, accusing him of poor leadership during his tenure as governor from 2015 to 2023.

On his part, Ortom, through his spokesman, Terver Akase, accused
the Alia administration of receiving higher federal allocations without matching the expectations of citizens in addressing security and developmental challenges.

Reacting to the development, the North-Central APC Forum said it was concerned that the SGF is hobnobbing with a leader of the opposition in Benue State in the person of former governor Ortom.

In the statement signed by Zazzaga, a member of the APC Presidential Campaign Council in the 2023 election, the North-Central APC Forum said it was alarming that the SGF has entered an alliance with opposition leaders to fight the APC government in Benue.

Urging Tinubu to watch the SGF, the Forum warned that the alliance between Akume and Ortom against Alia could destabilize the APC in the North-Central.

“The North-Central APC Forum has observed with alarm, the alliance and gang up between the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Senator George Akume, and Chief Samuel Ortom, the immediate past governor, against Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State.

“Chief Ortom, a leader of the opposition in Benue, whose administration is still under probe by the Governor Alia-led APC government, has now joined forces with Senator Akume, the SGF, to fight the APC government in Benue State.

“This unholy alliance was showcased at the thanksgiving program organized in honour of the SGF, Senator Akume, at Konshisha Local Government Area of Benue State during the weekend. Chief Ortom’s prominent role at the event should be a cause for concern for any APC stakeholder and the attacks he hurled at Governor Alia following the event leaves us without any doubt that the SGF, Senator Akume, has ganged up with him to fight the APC governor in Benue State.

“The North-Central APC Forum is asking President Bola Tinubu to watch the SGF, as his alliance with opposition leaders such as Chief Ortom can destabilize the APC in not only Benue but the entire North-Central.”

Continuing, the North-Central APC Forum declared that it has lost confidence in the SGF’s capacity to lead the APC in the zone.

The Forum, which had in the past accused the SGF of lopsided appointments in favour of his Tiv kinsmen, and urged him to carry the entire North-Central along, and stand as the leader of the zone, noted that the alliance with Ortom shows that he does not have the interest of the APC at heart and is only concerned about loyalty to his person, and control of the resources of Benue State.

“The North-Central APC Forum has lost confidence in Senator Akume, the SGF, as his unholy alliance with Chief Ortom shows that he does not care about the development of Benue State and the North-Central zone. If Senator Akume truly cares for Benue and the North-Central, he would not enter an alliance with Ortom, whose past actions have shown little regard for the dignity and welfare of the people.

“We are worried that the SGF, who should be the leader of the APC in the North-Central, will forge an alliance with disreputable opposition forces against an APC administration that is working hard to tackle the challenges in Benue State.

“The agenda of the alliance between Senator Akume and Chief Ortom is not about development; it is about Akume’s desire to control the government and resources of Benue State. The North-Central APC Forum condemns this gang up in its entirety.”

The APC Forum expressed shock that Akume could form an alliance with Ortom, who, during his time as governor, boasted that he had retired the SGF from politics.

Noting that Ortom’s eight years as governor set Benue State back in terms of human and infrastructural development, the APC Forum wondered why the SGF, as a leader of the ruling party, should join forces with the PDP leader to destabilize an APC government.

Warning that Akume’s romance with Ortom was not in the interests of the APC, the Forum insisted that President Tinubu should call the SGF to order immediately.

“We urge President Tinubu and the national leadership of the APC to take immediate action concerning the alliance between Senator Akume and Chief Ortom against the APC government in Benue State, led by Governor Hyacinth Alia. There is need for immediate action because we have not forgotten that only recently, in October 2024, Chief Ortom vowed that PDP would reclaim power in Benue in 2027.

“The North-Central APC Forum restates the warning that the APC cannot afford to lose Benue State in 2027. We call on President Tinubu and other leaders of our great party to act fast to forestall the destabilization of the APC in the North-Central.”

Looming Crisis, As IPOB Warns Former IGP Mike Okiro To Stay Out Of Ohanaeze President-General Election

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Looming Crisis, As IPOB Warns Former IGP Mike Okiro To Stay Out Of Ohanaeze President-General Election

 

From Joshua Chibuzo Andrew

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has issued a stern warning to former Inspector General of Police, Mike Okiro, to stay out of the upcoming Ohanaeze Ndigbo presidential election.

According to IPOB, Okiro’s candidacy would disrupt the zoning structure of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and decimate the organisation, as the position of President General is reserved for Igbos in Rivers State, and Okiro is from Imo State.

IPOB expressed belief that some influential individuals in the Imo State government are backing Okiro’s potential candidacy to undermine the organisation’s cohesion.

The group views this move as an attempt to reinforce the narrative that Igboland is irretrievably divided and can never unite under a common purpose.

It’s worth noting that the Alaigbo Development Foundation (ADF), a frontline Igbo think tank, has also warned against Okiro’s imposition as President General, citing the need for a fair and transparent process.

The ADF has emphasised that due process must be followed to ensure that Ndi Igbo worldwide buy into the emerging leadership.

IPOB has made it clear that they will resist any attempt to manipulate the outcome of the election and hold those responsible accountable.

The group has also called on Ohanaeze Ndigbo to strictly adhere to its constitution and zoning arrangement, which stipulates that the next President General should emerge from Rivers State.

IPOB issued the warning in a statement issued on Tuesday by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful.

Powerful, who also denied IPOB’s purported endorsement of Okiro for the Ohanaeze Ndigbo President General, said the warning became imperative following the alleged endorsement being circulated by a “faceless group” supposedly called “Ogbako Egbema” for him to contest for the position.

Powerful said, “It is obvious that some influential individuals in the Imo State government are behind this move to rubbish the integrity of Mike Okiro and decimate Ohanaeze Ndigbo the way they have sought to destroy Imo State.

“This faceless group is speaking for the enemies of Ndigbo, whose interest is to disorganise Alaigbo,” he said.

“These people cannot truncate the legitimate turn of Rivers State to produce the next Ohaneze Ndigbo President General.”

The IPOB spokesperson said at a time when well-meaning organisations are actively campaigning for the unification of all territories of ancient Igboland from Igbanke to Isobo, others are hell-bent on reinforcing the stereotypical narrative that Igboland can never be united under a common political purpose.

He said, “It is imperative that we warn those peddling the falsehood and endorsing Mike Okiro to contest for the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo to desist from disrupting the zoning structure of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

“The retired IG of Police, Mr. Mike Okiro should not allow himself to be used to destroy the cohesion of the Igbo race.

“The contest for the President General slot is reserved for the Igbos in River State. Mr. Okiro is from Imo State.

“He contested against the late Prof. George Obiozor, during the turn of Imo State to produce the President General and lost.

“Anybody or group trying to drag Mike Okiro into contesting against Rivers State Igbos is trying to foment trouble and IPOB will give that person or group back the problem they are clamouring for.”

According to Powerful, IPOB will no longer allow people to manipulate Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

“This time Igbo governors and politicians must allow Ohanaeze Ndigbo to operate as a respected socio-cultural organisation, not as the errand boys and political wing of the South East Governors Forum.

“Any attempt to manipulate the outcome of the forthcoming election to exclude or deny Igbos in Rivers State their rightful opportunity will be resisted by IPOB and those culpable will be held accountable by the people.

“The era of allowing Ohanaeze Ndigbo to drift and serve as a willing tool for the enemies of Ndigbo to control our political destiny has come to an end,” he said

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