By Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka
Abuja
A chieftain of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Barrister Austine Amaechi, has dismissed with a wave of hand, the expulsion of the newly elected President-General (PG) of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Azuta Mbata, by a group of Ikwere people, Ogbakor Ikwere.
Amaechi, a Kaduna based legal practitioner, and the Coordinator of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide in the 19 Northern States and Abuja, described the expulsion as “unserious” and “a mere publication by a few individuals.”
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According to Amaechi, the Ikwere people are Igbo, and their language, cultures, and traditions are all Igbo. He reminded them that they had previously denied their Igbo heritage during the civil war, but now that the war is over, it’s time for them to acknowledge their true identity.
Amaechi also pointed out that as is obtainable in other Igbo States in Nigeria, an Ikwere man, Livingstone Wechie had been elected the president of the Igbo socio-cultural organization in Rivers State, urging the dew among Ikwere people to stop denying their Igbo heritage, but instead work towards unity and peace with other Igbo groups.
In a related development, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has reaffirmed its commitment to rotating the presidency among its member states, in line with its constitution, which made it possible for the current PG to come from Rivers State. This decision has been supported by various groups, including the Ikwerre Youths Progressive Initiative, which has endorsed Rotimi Amaechi, a former governor of Rivers State, for the position.
