Former Imo State governor, Dr Ikedi Ohakim, has debunked insinuations in some quarters that he is aspiring to be president general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide.
In a statement made available to journalists, the former governor described the report as malicious and reckless disinformation.
He said, “My attention has been drawn to a widely published media report linking me with a certain move in some quarters to install me as the next president- general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, worldwide; and as a result of which I have been inundated with inquiries from well meaning Nigerians seeking for clarification. Despite the report’s baseless and defamatory nature, I am compelled to address this misinformation.”
Chief Ohakim submitted that he had not indicated an interest in the Ohanaeze Ndigbo president general position, and no group has contacted him to indicate interest.
“Let me be clear: I do not know any plans to elect or appoint me as the next president- general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
No individual or group has contacted me, and neither have I expressed interest in the position.
“Our beloved leader, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, CFR, OFR, MFR, Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo, who headed the organisation till July 25, 2024, when he passed away, is yet to be laid to rest. As a member of the national burial committee, I am committed to ensuring that he receives a befitting farewell. It is customary among our people to refrain from discussing succession until after the departed hero is buried.
“I urge those spreading this malicious and reckless disinformation and bringing up the politics of Ohanaeze Ndigbo at this stage to desist from it and allow Ndigbo to mourn and reflect on the late Ahaejiagamba’s legacy, which brought peace and tranquillity to our organisation and Ala Igbo as a whole
“ I reiterate, I have no involvement in or interest in the Ohanaeze Ndigbo presidency at this time.”
