The Alaigbo Development Foundation has issued a stern warning against any attempt to deny Rivers State its constitutional right to produce the next President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in the January 2025 elections.
In a statement on Wednesday, signed by its President, Nze Coleman Chukwudelunzu, the ADF described those seeking to undermine the Ohanaeze Constitution as the “number one enemies of the Igbo nation.”
Chukwudelunzu stressed the importance of adhering to constitutional principles and maintaining fairness in Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s leadership.
“Whoever wants to deny our brothers in 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,” he said.
The ADF leader identified two major challenges undermining Ohanaeze Ndigbo: external forces attempting to control Igbo affairs and internal actors seeking federal appointments at the expense of Igbo unity.
Chukwudelunzu alleged that powerful individuals from other ethnic groups had, in the past, influenced the selection of Ohanaeze President-Generals and criticised some Igbo governors for prioritising personal gains over regional interests.
“Tragically, some so-called Ohanaeze chieftains act as errand boys to governors and ministers instead of speaking truth to power as great leaders like Akanu Ibiam and Z.C. Obi once did,” he lamented.
Despite these challenges, Chukwudelunzu expressed gratitude for the resilience of patriotic Igbo leaders within the ADF, emphasising the need for Ohanaeze Ndigbo to remain a vital socio-cultural institution for Igbo unity and progress.
Reflecting on historical moments of Igbo unity, Chukwudelunzu recalled the efforts of Igbo delegates during the 1994-1995 Abuja National Constitutional Conference.
Leaders such as Okogbule Wanodi, Peter Odili, and Emeka Ojukwu stood together to defend Igbo interests against divisive agendas like the Justice Mamman Nasir Committee’s state creation plans.
“At that conference, Igbo delegates showcased an unbreakable bond of unity that Justice Mamman Nasir himself could not ignore,” Chukwudelunzu reminisced, calling for similar unity as the January elections approach.
Raphael Ede @ThePUNCH
