By Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka
Abuja
The Coordinator, Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide in the 19 Northern Nigeria and Abuja, Augustine Chimezie Amaechi Esq, has debunked the notion that there are two factions of the Igbo socio-cultural organization in the North.
In a telephone interview with our correspondent, our man over the weekend, Amaechi emphasized that the perceived division is merely a misconception. He explained that the Igbo Community Welfare Association (ICWA) is a separate entity that has not joined Ohaneze, and therefore, cannot be considered a faction of the organization.
Amaechi, who is also the Principal Partner of Talent Chambers in Kaduna, urged Ndigbo in the North to promote unity among themselves, just as their forefathers did. He cited the example of the Igbo Nation association, which built schools in the North.
The Northern Coordinator also stressed the importance of giving Ohaneze Ndigbo in the North a significant number of slots in the upcoming January 2025 leadership election. This, he believes, will enable them to play a more prominent role in the organization.
Amaechi further clarified that the late President-General of Ohaneze, Iwuanyanwu, had instructed him to unite the two groups under one umbrella. However, he noted that the ICWA has not yet joined Ohaneze, and therefore, the unity has not been achieved.
When asked about the recognition of Igbo Kings (Eze Ndigbo) outside Igboland, Amaechi stated that the late President-General had recognized Igbo 1st in Abuja, and that this recognition is still valid.
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In conclusion, Amaechi emphasized the need for Ndigbo in the North to come together and promote unity, just as their forefathers did. He believes that by doing so, they can achieve greater progress and development.
“We don’t have two factions of Ohaneze in the North. What we have is a group that has not joined Ohaneze, and that is ICWA, that is affiliating with Ohaneze in the headquarters, Enugu. We are working towards unity, and I believe that with time, we will achieve it,” Amaechi said.
