Factional leader of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, has described as unconstitutional and a violation of Articles 11,12 and 13 of the Ohanaeze constitution the alleged selection of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu as president-general of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation.
In a statement signed by him, Isiguzoro said Iwuanyanwu as a member of the Imeobi Ohanaeze for over three decades, a one-time chairman of Ohanaeze Strategy and Planning Committee and as well as a strategic member of Ohanaeze constitution drafting committees, shouldn’t have allow himself to be dragged into illegalities by adversaries of Ndigbo.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide wishes to state categorically that it is disappointed with Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu on his recent claims to being selected as president-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
“We believe that being over eighty years of age, Iwuanyanwu is too old for this ‘April Fool’s Joke’. His parading himself as President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo or even claiming to have been so selected by IMO Council of Elders is contrary to Articles 11,12 and 13 of the Ohanaeze constitution.”
He stated that in Imo State, none of the known members of Imeobi/ Ohanaeze elders like Prof Uzodinma Nwala, Dr Joe Nwaorgu, Prof Chidi Osuagwu, Archbishop AJV Obinna, Chief Mike Aham, SAN was present at the so-called Imo elders meeting where Iwuanyanwu was selected.
“This implies that those there were handpicked by Douglas House to run errands and are therefore on their own.
“If Iwuanyanwu was such a fantastic choice for the office, why did Douglas House snub him to pick Late Prof George Obiozor as his candidate. Again, why does he want to answer Ohanaeze PG through the backdoor?
“Is he afraid to stand for election at the Ohanaeze General Assembly because of the fact that he is the most unpopular Ohanaeze member from Imo State alive today based on his unenviable track record as a typical Nigerian politician rather than an Igbo patriot?
“Why does he enjoy illegalities? His parading himself earlier on as Chairman, Ohanaeze Elders Council is contrary to the Ohanaeze constitution which expressly states that ‘the president-general shall be the chairman of/ preside over all organs of Ohanaeze.’
“Moreover, office of the President General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo is not a retirement home for tired Igbo politicians. Rather, at this turning point in the history of the Igbo nation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo needs a PG who has the soundness of mind and body and as well the goodwill and integrity to lead from the front.
“Evidently, it is for the above reasons that Ohanaeze stakeholders and affiliates including Ala-Igbo Development Foundation (ADF), Global Igbo Leaders (GIL), Njiko Igbo, etc have rejected him.”
Mazi Isiguzoro maintained that the only way forward is the Implementation of the Resolution of the IGBO Archbishop and Bishops Peace Committee Report and IGBO Pentecostal clerics.
