Wealth is useless if it hasn't transformed any life – Akubueze, Ohaneze Ndigbo president

By ANNA OKON

Chief Oliver Akubueze retired from the police force to establish a business concern that spans real estate, oil and the capital market. In this interview with ANNA OKON, he talks about his recent appointment as the president, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Lagos State Chapter

What makes you get emotional?

Things that make me emotional could depend on some factors. I hate cheating; I hate injustice. So anybody who does it where I am will naturally provoke a reaction in me. In the face of injustice, I like to speak up. I like to defend the weak. I could get cross with anyone on account of this.

What sort of injustice?

Injustice as you know could be political, economic, or even emotional. It depends on how you are looking at it. As a person, I hate to see someone being unduly denied of their rights. In such situations, I will do my best to correct that.

What have you done to correct the agony that comes with widowhood in Igbo custom?

Well, it is true that widowhood is a terrible thing. However, most of the stories you hear about widowhood are borne out of home videos. In various communities in Igboland, the way it is practised varies. Be that as it is, it is a terrible thing that a woman would wake up and realise that the breadwinner, the life partner is no longer there. And it is bad that certain people would be troubling the woman, basing their arguments on certain customs. As I have said several times, this custom is not everywhere in Igboland. But I will use this opportunity to tell Ndigbo that cultures that are detrimental in this age should be jettisoned.

Do you hope to address this as the new Ohaneze president in Lagos?

My mandate as the new Ohaneze president in Lagos incidentally is beyond that. Inasmuch as Ohaneze is the foremost socio-cultural group in Igboland, we have a united body that is bound to the national body, which is headed by Ambassador Ralph Uwechue. In Lagos, we have so many issues to address, which includes bringing all interests into one fold so that we can be one formidable force. We will also address the issue of a secretariat, which is lacking at the moment. We will also draw up programmes to empower Igbo youths, and widows who have found themselves in certain tight situations. The new Ohaneze will also address the issue of promoting Igbo culture and cuisines, by establishing a pub in our secretariat that will avail Igbo in Lagos all those delicacies.

Which Igbo delicacies appeal to you?

My community incidentally offers a wide range of delicacies, which are appealing. I like ugba with stockfish and palm wine.

How religious are you?

I enjoy a very close relationship with God. And I think He has been very kind to me, which is why I have vowed to always make Him my anchor. Christianity is a thing of the mind, so I am not one of those who would carry a loudspeaker to announce that I am a Christian.

What is your recipe for a successful marriage?

It takes the grace of God first of all. Once the hand of God is in your marriage, there will be understanding, tolerance, trust and love. There is need for every couple to have these virtues in their marriage. They should also learn to avoid letting their problems last into the next day. They should see their marriage as a union, a partnership, not a master-servant relationship. Communication is important between couples, because that is what oils the relationship.

How would you define success?

Success is a thing of the mind. People make the mistake of measuring success in terms of money and material acquisitions, but for me success is the number of lives I have been able to transform. Someone's wealth is useless if it has not transformed any life. Every day, I look for how I can affect someone positively. That is what gives me joy, not the number of latest cars I drive.

What fashion statements do you like to make?

What I wear depends on the mood, and circumstance. I wear suits, when it is a corporate setting. I wear jeans and T-shirts equally when I want to appear casual. But I love the traditional Igbo attire. As the new Ohaneze president, I have to be a fashion ambassador of the Igbo nation by appearing in my Igbo regalia often. One great thing about the Igbo regalia is that it gives one dignity. But my wardrobe has all sorts of attire, and how I dress depends on where I am going.

How do you relax?

I like to relax, because all work and no play, makes Jack a dull boy. When I am not visiting close friends, I would be at home playing music. I enjoy all kinds of music so long as it is soulful, slow and makes meaning. I particularly like highlife, but sometimes you could see me listening to our Nigerian musicians.

Which Nigerian musicians appeal to you?

I like a lot of these young ones, who have done so much in mixing modern music with highlife. To be frank, Nigerian music has really improved, and I am optimistic that a lot of attention is coming their way on the global scene.

What attracts you to the opposite sex?

I like a woman I can relate with. That is what attracted me in the first place to my wife. I like when a woman is intelligent. I also value inner beauty, which is the total of what a woman should represent.

Is it true that an African man is polygamous in nature?

Polygamy is not peculiar to Africa alone. White people practise what I call serial polygamy. They marry many times, each time to different women.

Can you stay with one woman?

Yes, I can. And I do not think it is difficult to do.

What do you cherish most in your life?

I will say it is my family. That is one thing I remember, and thank God. That is one aspect of my life I cannot trade with anything.

How would you describe Oliver Akubueze?

Oliver Akubueze means many things to many people. He is first a father, a husband, and a true son of Abia State. Yes, he is also a businessman, who was once a police officer. He is a knight in Anglican Church and has a few chieftaincy titles, bestowed on him for service to his people. He could get emotional, and likes fairness and equity.
Source: Punch, 7^th Feb. 2010.

THE ROLE OF OHANEZE IN FOSTERING NATIONAL UNITY AND NIGERIAN NATIONALISM

BY Prof. B.I.C. Ijomah (PhD. Northwestern)

Chief Executive, Centre For Policy Studies and Research, Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria.
Delivered at Owerri to Mark The Igbo Day Celebration, 28th. September 2009
Preamble: I was given the freedom to choose a topic for this lecture. I chose to discuss "Ohaneze, The Quest for Igbo Unity, Nigerian Nationalism and the Future of this Country". Whether anybody believes me or not, this federation and its federalism are not working well at all. We cannot sit down scampering for money when the source of that money is being systematically controlled by other people. It is our sacred responsibility to ensure that this country returns to the agreement Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir Amadu Bello and Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa accepted as a basis for our living together as one country. What we parade as constitutions with all their sanctimonious amendments cannot keep this country together. The founders of Ohaneze knew that only in unity and strength can the Igbo people say anything that Nigerians would listen to. They have formed the unfortunate notion that whenever the Igbo man sees money, his perception on any issue changes.
I followed my political mentor, Chief Denis Osadebay to Ohaneze meetings since the early 1980's. At that time, the concept of Ohaneze was noble as it ought to be in recent times. The Founding fathers included Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe. After the elections that followed, most of the founding fathers found themselves in the NPN while Dr. Azikiwe and his political son Chief Jim Nwobodo were in the NPP. At that time, there was the Summit of Ohaneze. The Summit was the Apex of Ohaneze. Some of us never knew when and where they met. Their views and decisions were always respected and accepted by Ohaneze itself. The Summit was made up of 9 leaders which initially included Dr. Azikiwe. It also included such other leaders like Nnanna Kalu, Dr. Michael Okpara the Premier of the defunct Eastern Nigeria, Dr. K.O.Mbadiwe, Chief Dennis Osadebay, Sir Francis Akanu Ibiam. I believe Chief Nwankwu and Chief Jerome Udoji were also members. I attended the meetings of Ohaneze at Enugwu – Ukwu, at Nara, and at Umana. It was at Umana that Prof. Nwabueze was elected the Secretary of Ohaneze. When Dr. Azikiwe pulled out from the Summit, Chief Odumegwu Ojukwu replaced him. The number remained Nine. I cannot now remember the rationale for the sacred number nine.
Before the Umana meeting, Ohaneze was not properly structured. The Summit functioned like its policy propeller. Prof. Nwabueze no doubt, brought dynamism into the management of Ohaneze, but in the process, the Summit was allowed to wither away. The Secretary towered above Ohaneze itself. Any criticism of the Secretary became a criticism of the Ohaneze. Prof. Nwabueze became a Secretary in the 1980's from the date of Umana meeting. He sat tight until Ohaneze was engulfed in internal crises. Chief Achuzia who took over as Secretary also sat tight until he was politely pushed away. What I am trying to say is that the management of Ohaneze was not intended to be left in the hands of the Secretary and the President-General alone. I still see the wisdom in having matured leaders to serve in the Summit as its Board of trustees. Between the Summit and the Executive, Ohaneze will be given an orientation and a focus that will not allow juvenile critics to drag Ohaneze to the pages of the Newspapers as we saw in recent times. Ohaneze is the General Assembly of Igbo People. It should intervene whenever there is a misunderstanding among members of Ohaneze. Without discipline, and respect for leadership, outsiders cannot respect Ohaneze as the supreme voice of the Igbo nation. The Summit should be made up of experienced leaders with integrity who can settle all misunderstandings before they are publicised. Ohaneze should appreciate the peculiar nature of the Igbo people and accept the responsibility to speak boldly and intelligently on its behalf. I appeal to the Governors that while we respect their elevated positions as the elected leaders of the states, Ohaneze cuts across state boundaries and should touch on every Igboman wherever he is found. Ohaneze, if it is to be effective, should be the standard bearer of the Igbo nation.
The Problem of Ohaneze now is how to raise the funds for its programmes. As I mentioned at the Ohaneze meeting in Asagba's palace at Asaba, Ohaneze of the 1980's did not depend on the Governors alone for funding. Leaders and ordinary people donated the funds for the running of Ohaneze. Jim Nwobodo was the Governor at that time; but Ohaneze did not depend on him alone for funds. Ohaneze moved around from one town to another. Levies were collected; market men and women were convinced of the usefulness of Ohaneze, and donated money willingly. Ohaneze at that time was a symbol of Igbo nationalism. This last sentence is very important. There is nothing that unites the Igbos now except business; but the Igbos do not control the businesses: Yes, we are importers! But the Customs and Immigration are controlled by a section of the country that do not import. When goods are seized, generally, the goods belong to the Igbo man. I believe we cannot continue to be appendages in our own country. We must recalculate our mistakes of the past, and plot a new and honourable future. I see Ohaneze taking the lead in helping the businessmen with limited education and experience. Every misfortune of the businessman is a tragedy for the Igbo people.
Where we are? It is my view that Igbo nationalism which culminated in the formation of Ohaneze has waned. We have always preached that unity is strength; and yet we have failed to unite even in the face of provocations from other people. The unity among the Igbo people at the beginning of the Civil War was unprecedented. We were prepared to fight even to the last man. Unfortunately, we could not sustain this tempo till the end. People began to withdraw into their conches. The Publication of the Ahiara Declaration frightened many Biafrans, and dampened their perception of the war. Among the Igbo this perception assumed ethnic colouration. In conflict management external threat should strengthen in-group affiliations. This nation has never been one. It cannot be one, unless certain conditions are fulfilled, and the earlier the Igbo man understands the game plan of the in this country, the better for us to make contingent plans to enable us live with others according to the exigencies of the time.
The Constitution under which we agreed to live together as one nation was unilaterally desecrated by the military in favour of the North. The fiscal federalism which we accepted at independence was violated without reference to the South. I have spoken at various fora that unless the broken pledge was restored, there will be no peace in Nigeria. The militancy in the south is only an effect of the refusal to obey the agreements that made us one nation. When we agree to be one nation, we must invoke the provisions of our Independence Constitution. The Biafran war was fought because the Igbo people were treated like second class citizens. More are coming. The Northerners are playing a tape that was prepared for them by their leader, Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto. The Northerners will always want to rule directly, or appoint a southern stooge they can control.
Let us consider the statement credited to Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, and see if what the Northerners are doing is anything different from the laid down injunctions. On the 12 of October, 1960, just 12 days after independence from Britain, Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto said: The new nation called Nigeria should be an estate from our great- grand father, Othoman Dan Fodio. We must ruthlessly prevent a change
of power. We must use the minorities in the North as willing tooLs, and
the South as conquered territories AND NEVER ALLOW THEM TO HAVE CONTROL OF THEIR FUTURE.
The Parrot, Oct. 12, 1960 Sir Ahmadu Bello's nationalism ended in uniting the Northern region under one Hausa language. The North has been on a systematic pacification of the South. The minorities in the North are actually manipulated. The Igbo people lost the Civil War; but I believe the Civil War is still on. The roads in the South East tell the story of a conquered and marginalised people. Having pacified the South East, the North under the JFT have pounded on the Niger Delta. The pacification of the Yoruba is not far from their calculation. I tell you that the Yoruba will not be taken for granted. Any attack on the Yoruba will be the end of this federation. The North is ready to tolerate this federation only as long as they control the nation. It cannot continue to be so.
From the beginning, we have not all seriously wanted a united Nigeria. As I said in my book, Essays on Social Controversies, What held Nigeria together was not the unity of the people but the force of Pax Britannica. The late prime minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa was conscious of this transcendental unity when he said during the legislative council debate that: Many (Nigerians) deceive themselves by thinking that Nigeria is one….particularly some of the press people. This is wrong. I am sorry to say this presence of unity Is artificial and it ends outside this Chambers….. The Southern tribes who are now pouring into the North in ever increasing numbers , and are more or less domiciled here do not mix with the northern people …and we in the north look upon them as invaders,
I submit that there was no deliberate effort made by any leader to develop an ideological orientation from the working experience of disparate peoples lumped together without consultation. I mean an orientation that would have enabled us to see what could unite us. Ours is the politics of sharing the little that we have. Even in families when food is shared, quarrels are inevitable.
As at 1952, the Westerners in the north accounted for 6.6% of the population. This included the Yorubas in Ilorin; the Easterners were 2.4%. The total stranger elements in the north were 9% of the total northern population. They did not mix freely with the northerners, and they did not understand them. When Abubakar Tafawa Balewa attacked the southern migrants, the figures were much less.
At the inaugural conference of Egbe Omo Oduduwa in June 1948, Sir Adeyemo Alakija attacked the Igbo people and declared that:
We were bunched together by the British who named us Nigeria.
We never knew the Ibos.
The Easterners in the West at that time were less than 3.5% of the Western population. This feeling pervaded the politics of the country and came to a climax when Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe who had won elections into the Western House of Assembly was not allowed to form the government simply because he was an Igbo man. This incident marred his relationship with Chief Obafemi Awolowo. Since that time, no serious efforts were made to socialise our children to feel that they belong to the same country. The usual slogan of north for the Northerners, East for the Easterners and west for the Westerners dominated until the civil war. When the war was over, Gowon's response was the creation of states. Whatever was left of Nigerian nationalism was jettisoned for statism. As at now, our nationalism has degenerated to local government consciousness and wardism. There was no effort made to create a nation with a will to live together as a nation.
PETROLEUM INDUSTRIES BILL
The struggle for the soul of this nation has already begun. Some of us are satisfied with the crumbs from the masters table. In so doing, we mortgage the future of our children. There is no oil in the North, but the Northerners control key offices in the oil and gas industries. The Petroleum Industries Bill should be studied by all of us before our legislators pass it into law. I know that it is voluminous. I beg our legislators, in the name of Nigeria to sit down and read it well. They should not vote for the sake of voting. Let their conscience guide them for the future of our children. Perhaps we need serious seminars on bills coming up at the national assembly so that our representatives will have the feel of the people they represent.
This country is not what we planned it to be. When we had our independence in 1960, I had just entered the University of Nigeria, Nsukka as an undergraduate. I became the first President of the Students' Union. We were immediately confronted with the obnoxious Anglo-Nigerian Defence Pact. We blamed our leaders for not understanding the internal and external implications of the Anglo-Nigerian Defence Pact. I travelled to Ibadan and Zaria. We organised ourselves in the Institutions of Higher Learning to reject the defence pact. We won. Internal scheming among the leaders of the country did not create room for the germination of the spirit of Nigerian Nationalism. Yes, it is true that Zik and his colleagues fought for independence; but nationalist struggle is not the same thing as nationalism. Yes, we had nationalist fighters who drove the colonial powers away and won independence for us. But no sooner had the colonial administrators left than we descended on ourselves and made the emergence of one Nigerian nation impossible. What we had was in the words of Garibaldi, a geographic expression not a nation. What our leaders could have done was, to try to unite the nation, the political differences notwithstanding.
It would be wrong to say that they did not try. Dr. Azikiwe was said to have written a post-election letter to Chief Awolowo, suggesting that their two parties should form an alliance in the Western Region (West Africa, December 29, 1951).In April 1953, the Action Group and the NCNC formed a pre-Constitutional- Conference alliance in which they agreed to ask for Federalism and they would also ask for self-government in 1956. It was also agreed that if the North still refused to have self-government in 1956, "the Alliance would demand that a constituent assembly be called to prepare for self-government in 1956. In the event of the refusal of the Secretary of State for the Colonies to cooperate, the Alliance would summon a constituent assembly of Southern Nigeria, draft a constitution and declare the independence of Southern Nigeria (Daily Times November 27, 1953) also cited in Sklar, Nigerian Political Parties, pp.130-131.
On February 2, 1953, the Action Group and the NPC had signed an agreement to work together. The Sardauna of Sokoto and Abubakar Tafawa Balewa , Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Bode Thomas signed the agreement. Unfortunately, this agreement never came into effect before the Kano riot in which many Southerners mainly Igbos were killed even though the disturbances were precipitated by the meeting of the Action Group in Kano. The fact that the Action Group entered into the two alliances almost simultaneously raised doubts as to the credibility of the Action Group at that time. Several attempts by the leaders thereafter to come together collapsed due to their mutual suspicion of one another.
When Independence was finally achieved, the Colonial Government knew that they could not live together under a unitary system of government. The Independence Constitution provided for a Federal Government in which the federating regions had their separate constitutions, and a Federal Constitution for the centre. Even at that, the leaders found living together difficult, and ended up in a civil war.
The post war unitary military regime could only appear to work because of the garrison state in which Nigeria found herself after the war. Now we have a civilian regime; but the Governors keep running to Abuja to consult the President as if we are still running a Centralised Administration. The Governors should not be going to Abuja always with "cap in hand". The problem with the present regime is its over concern with oil and gas wealth that can be distributed without adequate concern for the people being degraded by those exploiting the oil and gas. Government should show more concern for what every state can derive and contribute into the distributable pool. The way this nation is being managed will certainly create pockets of disaffection from what we call our country. There is no justice in practically everything we do as a nation. This is wrong! We cannot apprehend and sanction corrupt leaders, but we drag ordinary taxi drivers to the police stations for questionable offences. This is wrong! We want education; but we refuse to pay professors who teach our children. This is wrong! A Local Government Councilor takes home a fatter pay than a University Professor. This is wrong! The National Assembly members are in a class of their own living in affluence, among their people who live in abject and pulverising poverty in their constituencies. This is wrong!
This country, this federation, without fiscal federalism, is not working well at all. It has encouraged prophets of doom to see their own kind of visions. I believe that if we are sincere with Nigeria we can make it work. But when ethnicism and nepotism are the basis for appointments, when incompetence becomes competence because a relation who is a Managing Director interprets what is competence, when there is a preconception of who or which ethnic group should rule this country, and some are to be manipulated and others treated like conquered persons, then the present and the future are fraught with conflicts and instability. I see a great danger ahead and I call on every Nigerian, especially the Igbo man who is everywhere, to shine his eyes. Nigeria could be better than it is if we had leaders who knew the problems of Nigeria before becoming Presidents. Most of the Presidents only become aware of the problems or the difficulty in running this country after their swearing in. They quickly assemble advisers and experts who had failed the previous regimes, and so the cycle of incompetence continues to the detriment of the nation. Presidents are afraid to appoint advisers who hold strong views on how this country can be improved. This is unfortunate. Mediocrity can never raise the tempo of development of this nation. Look at the mess in the economy and banking sector; see the avoidable impasse in our education system. In management, all issues must be elevated to the intellectual plain before impartial and workable solutions are found. When we stick to emotional and mundane principles in a sharing mentality, the reasoning faculty will be beclouded, and the nation will stagnate in a quandary.

OHANEZE AND THE NEW IGBO NATIONALISM
Those who conceived the concept of Ohaneze were men of wisdom and vision. In summary, what they were trying to tell us is that nobody can represent Ndigbo better than Ndigbo themselves. My personal assessment of my people is that we have clinged more to those who suck us, and use us. When the chips are down, the Igbo man will realise that he alone cannot protect the destiny of the Igbo nation. It is a collective venture. Clan associations are in adequate to project the Igbo agenda. Students' Associations are inadequate. Were it not for the internal bickering in Ohaneze, we would have by now built a formidable body as credible as the Arewa Consultative Body. Every Government listens to Arewa because of its discipline and internal cohesion. Its research outfit brings together first class scholars who advise AREWA on national issues. I was astounded to read its memorandum to the National Technical Committee on Niger Delta. AREWA people are not from the Niger Delta. But they believe that what affects the Niger Delta directly or indirectly affects them.
The Igbo man felt a little removed from the realities of the Niger Delta. This should not be. I have already painted a scenario of what is happening. The Igbo man must begin to analyse his future within the context of one Nigeria or in a fractured and fragmented Nigeria as some clerics are prophesying. In nation building anything can happen, depending on how the rulers rule. The common man is happy to live peacefully and do his business. A little peace is all that he needs for his business. In fact, the Igbo trader was in Sokoto and Maduguri before Southern politicians got there. There were Hausa and Yoruba quarters in Onitsha before Northern politicians got to Onitsha. It is the elite and the educated who are never satisfied with normal salaries out of greed. They want to carry all. There is an Igbo saying that "turu kam turu adighi ese okwu" It mean " take a little and let me take a little, and there will be no quarrel." The tragic mess in the banking sector and the mess of some governors who convert the money meant for developing their areas into personal wealth in the midst of the poverty of their people cry to God for justice. God has heard the prayers and the day of reckoning is near. This country has enough wealth to build many referral hospitals. The rich fly overseas to treat themselves. The poor die and are forgotten; but God does not forget their last moments of agonies. They could have been saved if we had leaders who love this country and who could have built referral hospitals to save people. Like Ogunde, the musician, told the Yoruba people in their period of listlessness and confusion, in his record-Yoruba Ronu, which means, Yoruba think. – I call on Ndigbo to think. I cannot imagine a Nigeria without the Igbo people.
It appears to me that Ndigbo are too busy looking for money; they are too busy taking risks to travel to different parts of Nigeria and Africa in search of wealth. They have no time to look into other requirements of life. They must unite themselves in order to make collective contributions to where they live, this nation called Nigeria. It is our own. It belongs to all of us. We cannot be second class citizens in Nigeria. We must collectively work to change the public perception of the Igbo man. We are also God fearing. While we may be busy, and we are very hard working people, let us support Ohaneze to be a think tank as the Arewa Consultative Forum is to the North. The Forum advises every Northern Governor and the President. They do not run themselves down on the pages of the Newspapers. There is no burning issue in Nigeria that Arewa scholars have not proffered suggestions. We have Igbo intellectuals on both sides of River Niger who can reason while the business men pursue their businesses. The political mess in Anambra State portrays a people desperate for power, and ever willing to us their wealth to fight themselves. People are not asking who can salvage Anambra? They are probably waiting for who can distribute the largest amount of money. The destiny of Anambra people is more important than the claims of aspiring politicians.
Mr. Chairman, let me use this opportunity to plead that we look inwards; we will find in the Igbo man, a divine gift to Nigeria. Let us use what we have to bring ourselves together. The Igbo day celebration is a period for sober reflection throughout the nation. It should not end in giving lectures and clapping hands. It appears to me that the leadership has not made enough consultations or that information was not properly handled. May I suggest the following :

1. The Governors of all Igbo-speaking States should be properly consulted to give legitimacy to Igbo Day. After all, that is what federalism means – ability of the federating units to handle issues peculiar to them like the Sharia in the Northern States.

2. The Igbo Day should be declared a holiday in Igbo Speaking States.

3. In addition to what the Ohaneze does, the Governments in Igbo-speaking states should on their own organise celebrations and thanksgiving services for what they are after the horrible civil war.

4. The Igbo Day Celebration should be well packaged to include the achievements of the Igbo man, and perhaps with exhibitions in all fields to show case the Igbo man.

5. There should be a grand finale.

6. The Organising Committee should be made up of :
i. Representatives of the five Governors in Igbo-speaking States

ii. Representatives of Igbos in Rivers State and Delta State,

iii. Representatives of Igbos in Lagos, Abuja and other major cities in Nigeria.

iv. Representatives of Igbos in USA; Great Britain; South Africa and in the Diaspora.

v. Representatives of the Igbo Traditional Councils

vi. Representatives of Women

vii. Representatives of Igbo Youths.

The late Chief K.O. Mbadiwe once saw me at Asaba, in Chief Denis Osadebay's house, and in a discussion that ensued, he challenged me to write a book on Ndigbo. "Who is an Igbo man?" He asked me. Seeing this crowd of brothers and sisters gathered here, I am moved to tears that simply because of minor dialectic variations, there can be any argument in certain quarters as to whether one is an Igbo man or not. The Ijaws in Lagos State, Ondo State, Bayelsa State, and Rivers State have found that they have a common heritage. They are members of Ijaw National Congress. It has now dawned on me that a book on the Igbo man is certainly an urgent desideratum. Prof. G.E.K. Ofomata's book – A Survey of the Igbo Nation, published by Africana First Publishers Limited 2002, is a good work. It has not, however, answered Dr. Mbadiwe's ontological question, "Who is an Igbo man?" May I humbly call on the President-General of Ohaneze to approach all Igbo sons and daughters, the governors inclusive, to raise funds for this monumental research. Igbo nationalism must be seen within the context of Nigerian Nationalism. Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe in 1949 observed that: The Ibo (Igbo) people have reached a cross road and it is for us
to decide which is right course to follow. (Zik, A Selection from the Speeches of Nnamdi Azikiwe, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1961, p. 181
He advised the Igbos to follow the road to self determination within the framework of a federated commonwealth of Nigeria. Nigeria is a large and unwieldy nation. It requires the best persons to manage it and shape it into a nation. One would have thought that after the Civil War, we would have deliberately and consciously healed the wounds. As I said earlier, I believe the Civil War is still on, in the treatment being meted to the Igbo people as a conquered people. How does one explain the absence of any good Federal roads in the South-East. Nothing works! Even the North is not better in terms of infrastructural development. As I said, Nigerian nationalism died before it germinated. I lamented in my book Afrocracy that Where a number of historic cleavages intermix and create a basis for politics, democracy will be unstable and weak, for by definition, such politics does not include the concept of tolerance (B.I.C. Ijomah, Afrocracy, Basis For National Unity, Benin: Idodo-Umeh Publishers, 1988) We must think seriously on how to unite this country. By any indication, we are not yet a nation. Politicians and rulers are concerned about their states, local governments and wards and their pockets. There has been no reflection on what makes the spirit of the nation. In the National Assembly, one easily sees divisions on clear cut lines. The different sharing postures shows we cannot for now be one nation. We should learn to show concerns about other parts of the nation.
Our perennial mistake has always been that we allow parties to emerge from political coalitions without ideological orientation as we are still doing now. As long as political parties are gang ups for winning elections, there will be no room for any kind of national orientation to germinate. Nigerian nationalism will remain a twenty first century political mirage, sought after, but never attained.
I thank you for inviting me to speak. May God Bless the Igbo Nation, bless our Delta State, and Nigeria.

Ohanaeze lauds Umeadi over verdict on Oshiomhole, others
From Uzoma Nzeagwu, Awka

IN a major boost to reward excellence, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Anambra State branch, has charged members of the Bar, especially judges in the country, to emulate the virtues of Justice Peter N. C. Umeadi (rtd) in discharging their duties.

Chairman of the Igbo-apex socio-cultural organisation in Anambra State, Dr. Philip Atanmuo, gave the charge in Awka yesterday at a luncheon organised by the Ohanaeze to honour of the retired Justice Umeadi for excellent performance while serving the nation.

He recalled the landmark judgment of March 20, 2008, in which Umeadi declared Governor Adams Oshiomhole the winner in the Edo State governorship election of April 14, 2007, having scored the highest number of valid votes cast.

While showering encomiums on Umeadi for having stood firm in the discharge of his duties, he enjoined other judges to keep the flag flying and hold tenaciously to their oath of allegiance to dispense justices to all.

"We urge you judges to hold strongly to your opinions, continue in the interest of the citizenry and Nigerians. We in the Ohanaeze believe in rule of law and due process and we will continue to count on the integrity of our judges", he added.

Describing Umeadi as a worthy son of Anambra and distinguished jurist, Atanmuo disclosed that the group has set in motion a process that would always recognise and celebrate any Igbo person who excels in his or her area of endeavour.

"Henceforth, we will continue to honour and reward deserving sons and daughters of Igbo extraction who have contributed immensely to the progress and development of Igboland in particular and Nigeria in general. It is our mission to tell the Igbo that Ohanaeze has repositioned to fight and advance its cause in the affairs of the nation", he added.

While lamenting the travails of the Igbo, the Ohanaeze chief noted: "The Igbo have been largely involved in the development of Nigeria. Ours has been to struggle for survival. We are found in all the remotest parts of the country doing one business or the other, ... struggling to make ends meet. We must struggle peacefully to make homes, to feed our families,... We have never taken anybody's share and all we are saying is for the Federal Government to give us our rights".

He commended the efforts of the judiciary in ensuring that justice prevailed especially in the 2007 elections, where judges at the tribunals and various courts helped to uphold the nation's democracy, hoping that they would sustain the tempo in Anambra governorship election next year.

Earlier in his welcome address, Chairman of the occasion, Justice Obiora Nwazota (rtd), emphasised that Umeadi had performed his duties in accordance to the oath of office, maintaining that he performed well at the Edo State Election Tribunal as the chairman.

In his response, Justice Umeadi commended Ohanaeze Ndigbo for recognising his inputs in the development of the judiciary in Nigeria and urged that the recognition given to him should be extended to citizens of the state who had excelled in their various fields of endeavour.
Source: The Guardian, 4^th December 2009.

Marginalisation: Ohaneze Makes Case for Ndigbo

From Amby Uneze in Owerri

For clearly showing discriminatory attitude towards Ndigbo and in sharp contrast with the concession given to other ethnic groups in the country, the apex socio-cultural organisation binding all Ndigbo, the Ohaneze Ndigbo has demanded from the federal authority and other Nigerians a fraternal apology for various injustices Ndigbo had suffered in the hands of the nation.
"It is only right to assert that our beloved co-citizens of Nigeria owe the Igbo Nation unreserved fraternal apology for visiting an unjust and sustained capital political punishment on the entire Igbo nation, vis-B-vis their constitutional right to exercise executive power as president of our country," the Ohaneze said.
Addressing a large crowd of Ndigbo at the grand finale of Igbo Day Celebration held at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Ambassador Ralph Uwechue, OFR, observed that the demand for presidency of Nigerian was a fundamental right already too long denied.
While urging all Ndigbo, no matter their individual political differences to unite now for the fight, Uwechue reminded Nigerians of the various contributions done by the Igbos with the sole aim to unite the country right from the agitation of Independence for the Nigeria.
On national integration, he highlighted many efforts of Ndigbo to develop the socio-economic front of the country through their numerous investment in all the nooks and crannies of Nigeria without bias of their ethnic boundaries.
He recalled the effort of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe in the unification of the country through his "One Nigeria" slogan which brought back the disintegration of the ethnic nationalities in 1957.
According to him, in 1957 when the British Colonial Government under intense pressure from Southern politicians pressing for independence, attempted to uncouple the union between the North and the South forged through Lord Lugard's Amalgamation of 1914, with the offer of Independence to the three Regions individually provided any two accepted the offer, a political crisis loomed large on the national horizon.
"The NCNC leader, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe took the stand that although the Eastern Region was ready to assume the responsibilities of Regional Independence, its attainment without the North would lead, in his own words, to the "Balkanisation of the Nigerian Nation" and unity a break-up of the country.
The Eastern Region would rather suppress it's appetite for Independence and the obvious gains it would entail until the Northern Region was ready. That was how Nigerian Independence was delayed until 1960. In short, the Igbo-led Eastern Region would rather forgo the advancement of its own political and economic interests than risk the break-up of Nigeria", he said.
He added that had the Eastern Region opted for Independence at that time, the territory under its control would have comprised in today's terms the following nine States with their enormous human and natural resources. The states include Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River, Ebonyi, Enugu , Imo and Rivers.
"It would also have included in all probability, as was the case with the then Northern Cameroon which became today's Adamawa and Taraba States, what was then the Southern Cameroon with the oil rich Bakassi Peninsula well in the middle of the distinct, sovereign and independence Eastern Nigeria", he observed.Earlier, the Chairman of the 2009 Igbo Day national Organizing Committee, Sir Onyeso Nwachukwu, OFR had welcomed all the Igbo sons and daughters who trooped from far and near to grace the occasion. Prominent Igbo sons and daughters were present at the colourful ceremony.
Source: This Day, 3^rd October 2009.

Eya Is Ohanaeze's Scribe, Uwechue Insists
From Lawrence Njoku, Enugu

PRESIDENT General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Ralph Uwechue said yesterday that former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Commissioner, Chief Nduka Eya remained the authentic Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, having emerged from the election conducted by the Sir Onyesoh Nwachukwu-led committee.

He said Eya and no other person qualified to speak on behalf of the Igbo on any issue, expressing dismay at comments credited to Richard Ozobu claiming to be speaking for the Igbo.

Addressing reporters in Enugu, he said the new leadership had decided to peacefully resolve the differences that arose from the last election of the group in the interest of the Igbo, stressing however, that it would not allow certain persons to usurp the opportunity for their selfish interests.

Uwechue said bearing in mind the last crisis, which almost marred the organization, it decided to consult with stakeholders on the peaceful way out of the issue, insisting that it would in no way alter the outcome of the election that brought the new leadership to office.

"That same election was where myself and other members of the executive emerged from. At a point, the election of the Secretary General which should come from Enugu State was delayed; but the same committee that organized the election later approved the election of Chief Eya, who was sworn in the same day at Awka like all other executive members. Eya is the one occupying that position and that action has sealed the aspiration of any other person disguising as Secretary General," he said.
Source: The Guardian, 7^th March 2009.

Ohanaeze begs striking teachers to return to work
Written by Tony Edike

THE apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo yesterday, pleaded with striking school teachers in the South East states to return to work, while urging the governments of the states in the region to take immediate steps to reach an acceptable agreement with the teachers over their grievances. The teachers had commenced the indefinite strike on Monday in protest over the inability of the state governments to effect an agreed 27.5 per cent pay rise.

Secretary General of the organisation, Prince Richard Ozobu who made the plea in a statement in Enugu, lamented that the strike was coming at a time when the governments of the South East states were making great efforts to improve the lives of their respective citizens, adding that it was capable of derailing the progress so far made.

Observing that the welfare of teachers should be of paramount importance to the state governments, Ozubu however, said that resorting to industrial action may not be the best course for the teachers to take in view of the hardship and loss it would impose on both the students and their parents in 'these trying times'.

"Ohanaeze is passionately pleading with the striking teachers in the South East and neighbouring states to return to work in the interest of the pupils and students while at the same time urging the governments of the South East states to take immediate steps to reach an agreement with the teachers and address their grievances. This is hardly the right time for such an interruption or disruption of activities in an any area of economic and social life of the people of the region," he said.

He also called on the concerned parties to establish an enduring platform for dialogue and resolution of conflicts in order to prevent issues between them from getting out of hand.

On the lingering controversy over the rightful occupant of his office, Prince Ozobu restated that the issue had been resolved with the inauguration of the new Ohanaeze Executive led by Ambassador Ralph Uwechue with himself as Secretary General in Awka, Anambra State last January.

He added that the secretariat of the organisation at Park Avenue Enugu , was also formally handed over to him by the immediate past Secretary General, Chief Joe Achuzia and challenged those who claimed that one Mr Nduka Eya had been sworn in as Secretary General to provide evidence as to where and when such an event took place.

"I think some people are only trying to be either mischievous or untruthful when they say that some other person than myself has been sworn in as Secretary General of Ohanaeze. I challenge those people to tell us where and when such an action was carried out. I remember vividly that the only thing that happened in Awka on Janurary was that Ambassador Uwechue led executive of Ohanaeze was formally inaugurated and I was sitting right there with him with the other members", he said.
Source: Vanguard, 4^th March 2009.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo: An agenda for Uwechue and co

Written by Dennis Agbo

JANUARY 30,2009 perhaps marked the point of reckoning for the Igbo nation. It was the day that the entire Igbo under its apex socio-cultural umbrella, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo at the Women Development Centre, Awka Anambra State, seamlessly transited from one set of executives to another.

The peace and joy of that event almost defeated the saying that the Ndigbo is a nation without a leader.

It was the first time since after the end of Nigeria/Biafra war that an Igbo across the Niger was handed over the mantle of leadership of the entire Igbo race both at home and in diaspora. The event also brought to rest the alleged vexed issue of two sets of Ohanaeze Ndigbo constitution which was the main issue that almost disintegrated the apex Igbo body when Professor Joe Irukwu was in charge.
For some other reason, the new crop of Ohanaeze Ndigbo leadership under Ambassador Ralph Uwechue as President General and Chief Nduka Eya as Secretary General purged the old way of public presentations of Igbo leaders and a new mechanism and structure instituted for inauguration and swearing-in of the executives after a decent election.

Chairman of the inauguration committee, Engr. Chris Okoye at the occasion said that it is the fervent prayer of Ndigbo that the apex body should once more become the coordinating council of the civil society organizations and the conscience of the people in which Ohanaeze would become the foundation upon which a disciplined modern industrial democracy will rise in Igboland.

Interestingly, Okoye's expectation is coming at a time Ndigbo had gone back to the drawing board to dust up its economic road map that was upswing before the break-out of the civil war in 1967. According to the new economic agenda when it comes to fruition, the South-East may once again become the leading economy in the country if not in the continent.

Away from the expected economic eldorado, Ndigbo as a race is presently confronted with many problems which Uwechue and his executives are being looked upon to resolve. One is on the Igbo culture and identity.

1. Though people like Professor Chinua Achebe through their writings like Things Fall Apart have repackaged the image of Igbo, the present day Ohanaeze if it must enjoy a lasting solidarity and reverence of all Igbo would have to look the way of encouraging with the cooperation of modern technology and the tertiary institutions, the Igbo studies so as to explore the entire terrain.

The immediate past President General of the apex Igbo body, Dr. Dozie Ikedife in his valedictory speech suggested to Uwechue to endow university scholarships, institutes and fellowships for Igbo studies.

Ikedife regretted that though the Igbo film which is a precursor to the present day home videos have stated penetrating the whole African continent, Ohanaeze has lacked funds and the organization of promoting Igbo language and culture in the proper manner.

Something quiet insulting happened to Ohanaeze Ndigbo in the process of Ikedife-Uwechue transition. At the National Secretariat of Ohanaeze along Park Avenue, GRA, Enugu, a group of political hirelings suspected to allegedly have the support of one of the South- East State governments, overran the Ohanaeze secretariat and locked the gate. It was quite a nuisance.

For whatever reason, no government, group or individual should hold Ndigbo to ransom. . If any state government feels that it is the owner of the Ohanaeze secretariat, it should understand that there are many towns in Igboland where Ohanaeze Secretariat could be sited.

The show of shame therefore throws a challenge to Uwechue and co to either obtain the C of O of that secretariat or begin the process of erecting a permanent structure for Ohanaeze Ndigbo where no thug could lay arsenal.

On politics, Ndigbo and Nigeria; it is high time Ohanaeze leadership clearly takes a stand on the nature of our federation. The Irukwu era was very insulting to Ndigbo, when three Igbo governors and the Ohanaeze leadership decided to support the third term ambition of Oluesegun Obasanjo.

The individualism of Ndigbo in the past few years produced an anarchic situation in which individuals and private caucuses make their bargains for private profit without regard to the public good. Ohanaeze cannot stand aside while the rot deepens.

According to Dr. Ikedife, Ohanaeze holds the opinion that it is when politics is based upon community values; when the people give their vote freely to a candidate in order to empower him pursue agreed goals, that politics becomes truly democratic and responsible.

"We need once again to take collective control of our politics. We must reorganize and empower our town unions to defend democracy at the grassroots. Town unions should be a fourth tier of government fully capable at their level of giving strategic direction to economic development and electoral practice in our communities," advised Ikedife.

On education, between 1930s and 40s, Ndigbo pioneered an educational revolution which took the entire nation by surprise. That revolution enabled the Igbo meet and surpass within one generation, other regions which embarked on western education one century earlier.

Today however, there is stagnation in Igbo education that instead of investing enough in the training of youths to ensure competitiveness for them in the next generation, in the manufacturing and other service deliveries, more energy is concentrated on buying and selling. Ohanaeze should therefore prioritize education both in arts, science and mathematics.

The Nigeria/Biafra war that wasted the economy of Igboland needed a massive injection of stimulus capital at the end of the civil war. But instead of providing such funds the federal government adopted a policy of benign neglect or a punitive attitude. What Ndigbo need today is to pool their capital resources together for development.

They will also be in a better situation to borrow funds if they work together as a big economic entity. Ohanaeze is already aware of the South-East Nigeria Economic Commission (SENEC) which is a joint venture of the zone that involves private, public and community partnership. The apex Igbo body would have to mobilize the entire Igbo to make sure that the economic project succeeds.

The Igbo in diaspora usually suffer causality whenever there is outbreak of violence in any part of Nigeria, even in the entire Africa. The Igbo that conducts business either in Opobo or Utorkom will always become victim of looting or outright arson for cases they never knew their causes.

This has for a long time become a huge problem for Igbo nation. Ambassador Uwechue is expected to use his diplomatic experience to appeal on the sentiments of other tribes to please allow the Igbo be.

There is no doubt that these are herculean tasks but every generation confronts its problems to seek for permanent solutions.
It is of no immediate advantage struggling for "Igbo Presidency" when the economy and education of Ndigbo are in shambles. The much talked Nigeria President from Igbo extraction has either made some selfish politicians richer or attracted acrimony for their kits and kin. If the Igbo become strong rooted in Nigeria economy, the nation would come begging Ndigbo to produce a Nigeria Presidency.

Our focus for now should be on economic viability and social development of the South-East. Ohanaeze should be able to resolve the flight of Igbo youths to other parts of the country and redirect their attention to investing in the East. Jobs should be created so that the young people do not just walk out from their land to Lagos or Abuja in search of jobs.

It is perhaps here that every effort should be made to make sure that South-East Nigeria Economic Commission (SENEC) succeeds. All hands must be on deck to make the ailing industries in Nnewi, Onitsha, Aba, Enugu, Nkalagu and parts of Igboland functional. They should be revitalized and agriculture practiced in large mechanized manner.

Though Ohanaeze is not a government institution that receives monthly allocation, it enjoys acceptability of all Igbo as a traditional body and has more repect than the present dissected states of Igbo nation.

Ohanaeze would have to pursue or urge the state governments into having common economic agenda, using especially a platform like SENEC.
Source: Vanguard, 3^rd  March 2009.

Ohanaeze Plans Relocation Of Secretariat From Enugu
From Lawrence Njoku, Enugu

The crisis in the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, over the position of secretary general of the group, assumed a new twist yesterday, as the new leadership of the organisation plans to relocate its secretariat from Enugu State.

It was gathered that the plan to relocate the secretariat of the organisation from Enugu was borne out of the desire to reposition it to enable it serve the overall interests of Ndigbo, coupled with the recent threats to the existence of the organisation by members of a political group in Enugu state.

It was further gathered that the continued operation of the group from its national secretariat in Enugu has come under serious threat since its leadership failed to recognise Prince Richard Ozobu as secretary general after a series of pressure from the state government that he (Ozobu) was its preferred candidate for the position.

Rather, the leadership had on Friday in Awka sworn in Chief Nduka Eya, described as an "enemy of government" to the position, a development said to have taken the state government by surprise.

A reliable source told The Guardian at the Ohanaeze secretariat in Enugu yesterday that the new leaders of the group were no longer comfortable "with the several incursions by some sponsored persons into the secretariat", adding that, the development has become a major threat in the continued existence of the secretariat in Enugu.

The source referred to the "forceful invasion" of the secretariat by a group allegedly led by a Special Adviser to the governor, which on November 27 last year, met and approved the candidature of Ozobu for the position of secretary in defiance of an earlier election by the state chapter, where Chief Nduka Eya emerged as winner.

"After the action, the group had stormed the organisation's national election at Awka on November 29 and forced it to suspend the election of secretary general which was allocated to Enugu State

"The same group had also on Friday January 16, disrupted the imeobi (inner caucus) meeting of the organisation called to fine-tune plans for the inauguration of the new national executive, forcing the leaders at the meeting to relocate to another venue to hold their meeting," the source added.

He stated that the incessant incursions into the secretariat had become a source of worry to the leadership of the organisation, adding that the new thinking was to "pave way for peace as well as ensure that the constitution was not tampered in any way".

The source said that though the Enugu governor, Sullivan Chime, had always denied involvement in the several incursions made by the group loyal to his administration at the secretariat, he might not have forgotten the role played by some new leaders of the organisation during the governorship tribunal sitting in Enugu. Eya, for one, testified against him.

It was further gathered that last Friday when the group led by Ozobu arrived in Awka and discovered that Eya had been recognised and sworn in as the new Secretary General of Ohanaeze, they vowed not to allow the group have access to the secretariat any longer.

The source added: "We cannot continue to be threatened because somebody wants government interest protected outside our constitution. We have do abide by our constitution to the latter and that is why we won't give up.

"Some people have told us that the secretariat belongs to Enugu and that was why they did not obtain permission from the managers of the people before invading it to hold a purported election or come into it anyhow. It is sad and the height of ignorance," the source added.

It could be recalled that the contention between factions in Enugu State over the preferred candidate for secretary between Eya and Ozobu, made the national leadership hold down the election into that position during the national election last year.

It added: "We don't need to be in Enugu to run the affairs of Ohanaeze and that is why we are not bothered about the recent attack on the leadership by some group in Enugu state. We believe that they are enjoying support of government and that is why nobody cares to call them to order. But we have alternative and that is what we intend to do."

The national secretariat, which is bereft of modern facilities, was donated to the organisation by the administration of Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo in 1991. Since then, no effort has been made to renovate the structures at the place.

Efforts made to reach the new leadership of the organisation on the development yesterday proved abortive, as none of the leaders could respond to calls on their mobile phones.
Source: The Guardian, 25^th February 2009.

Ohaneze: The Body Should Be Self-funding And Independent Of Government's Interference - Okorie

Chekwas Okorie founder of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) was the youngest member of Elders' Council of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the Pan-Igbo socio-political organisation. He spoke to SAMSON EZEA on the emergence of the new leadership of the organisation, the crisis over who should be its national scribe and other sundry issues.

How do you see the emergence of Chief Ralph Uwechue as new President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, considering where he comes from and the situation in the organization before he took over?

THE emergence of Chief Ralph Uwechue as President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo is like a breath of fresh air. It is a development which every well- meaning Igbo person has given his or her support. There is a high expectation that he has the experience, the maturity, the intellectual capacity and the exposure that will equip him to re-focus the pan -Igbo organization on the path of serving the interest of Ndigbo especially in the areas of unity, the promotion of the rich Igbo cultural heritage and the protection of Igbo identity in Nigeria and in the Diaspora. The part of Nigeria that Chief Uwechue comes from is rather a source of strength to Ohaneze rather than weakness. It is part of Ohaneze zoning arrangement contained in the organization's constitution to elect its President General from Anioma part of Igbo land after the turn of Anambra State in alphabetical order. It will be recalled that Dr. Dozie Ikedife the immediate past President General of Ohaneze who is from Anambra State succeeded Prof J.O Irukwu who is from Abia State. By complying with the provision of Ohaneze constitution, the Igbo people of Anioma are now convinced beyond any doubt that they are as much Igbo as any other in spite of insinuation to the contrary by mischief- makers. It goes to follow also that at sometime in the future the Igbo people of Rivers State should equally provide leadership for the entire Igbo nation in Nigeria and in the Diaspora.

Do you agree that his emergence marks a new beginning in the organization?

As I mentioned above there is high expectation by Ndigbo that Chief Uwechue's leadership shall be a watershed in the chequered history of the Igbo people after the end of the Nigerian civil war. The extent he succeeds will depend on his ability to rise to the demands of the office and the extent the various forces in Igbo nation cooperate with him. He has a very challenging assignment on his hand. Ndigbo have never been more disunited as they are as at this time. They appear to be pulling on different directions at the same time. His ability to reach out to the major stakeholders and the contending forces to achieve a reasonable measure of cohesion and unity will determine to a large extent the level of success the executive of Ohaneze under his leadership will record within a short un-renewable tenure of two years.

What do you think are the challenges before the new leadership of the organization?

In addition to what I said above, the other challenge that will immediately confront the new leadership of Ohaneze is being able to establish a respectable, independent, bold, courageous and self sustaining pan -Igbo organization. The Ohanaeze that will command the loyalty and followership of Ndigbo must be seen to be honest, transparent and non-partisan in the leadership that it provides and the position it takes on issues that concern Ndigbo. It is important to recognize the fact that Ndigbo are domicile in different parts of Nigeria in large numbers. In this regard an Ohanaeze leadership that is docile, and stationed at its National Secretariat at Enugu without moving out as occasion demands to interact with Ndigbo at their different locations in Nigeria will not be satisfactory.

Do you think that the new leadership has what it takes to checkmate the overbearing influence of politicians and government in the affairs of the organization?

It will require tremendous amount of leadership sagacity, maturity and savvy to extricate Ohanaeze from the stranglehold of politicians and governments especially at the state level. I was vehement in my opposition against government involvement in the affairs of Ohanaeze.

The argument against my position was that the governments that controlled the Igbo speaking areas were necessary facilitators in the area of providing funds to the organization. Shortly after this robust debate at the Elders Council where I have been member for a long time, the leadership of Ohaneze under the leadership of Eze Ozobu as President General and Professor Ben. Nwabueze as Secretary General approached the Governors of the five Igbo States to nominate the State Executive members of Ohaneze. By that singular act Ohaneze lost its independence and freedom of expression. When it was time to elect a new national executive of Ohaneze according to the provision of its adopted constitution which prescribes the rotation of the President General of Ohaneze in alphabetical order, the Abia State Ohaneze was required to nominate three candidates for election where multiple candidates aspired for the office of President General. Naturally the Executive members of Abia State Ohaneze who were practically appointed by the Abia State government reverted to their sponsors. And by some manipulations that saw to the disqualification of a renowned Professor and a retired Admiral of the Nigerian Navy, Professor J.O. Irukwu emerged as the President General of Ohaneze having been endorsed by the Government of Abia State at the time. Using the same style the Anioma people put forward Chief Joe Achuzie as Secretary General and all the remaining states filled their own slots in the National Executive with officers approved by their State governments. Since all the state governments at that time were of the People Democratic Party (PDP) Ohaneze unwittingly returned to the dark days of the Second Republic when Dr. Azikwe pulled out of the organization.

Many Igbos believe that Ohanaeze has failed the people. Do you agree?

Ohanaeze cannot be described as a total failure. However it has not met with the high expectations of Ndigbo. Let me recall that during the sitting of the Oputa Panel, Ohanaeze presented the Igbo position in a manner that impressed Igbo people and attracted to the organization the admiration and respect of Nigerians. The leadership provided by Justice Eze Ozobu was quite purposeful but the occasional power tussle between him and Professor Ben Nwabueze, the then Secretary General affected the quality of leadership of the organization most of that period. But with the involvement of Governors who were all of the PDP extraction, Ohanaeze completely derailed. The open support of the third term agenda during the Joe Irukwu era was like a coup disgrace to Ndigbo. Ohanaeze degenerated to its lowest ebb.

There has been crisis over who will be Secretary General of the organization between Prince Richard Ozobu allegedly supported by Enugu State Governor Sullivan Chime and Chief Nduka Eya. What is your position on that as you recently witnessed the chaos that marred IMEOBI caucus over the issue recently in Enugu?

The controversy over who should be the Secretary General of Ohanaeze which was zoned to Enugu State is unnecessary. Any person who has followed my narrative in this interview will see the connection between the State Executive of Ohaneze in the various states and their state governments. For the office of the President General, the people of Anioma met and proposed Chief Ralph Uwechue as their sole nominee and their wish was respected. Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State witnessed the election of the national election of Ohaneze at Awka and the national officers from Abia State are those endorsed by his government. The National Officers from Imo and Ebonyi States were also endorsed by their Governments in accordance with the present tradition. The Enugu State Executive of Ohaneze practically appointed by the State Government according to the recent tradition of the Ohaneze proposed Prince Richard Ozobu a member of the Elders Council of Ohanaeze as their nominee for the Office of Secretary General. I do not see any reason why the out-going leadership of Ohaneze that supervised the election should not extend to Enugu State Ohanaeze the same consideration that was accorded the other States, including Anioma and Rivers. I am not impressed by the argument of those who are opposed to Prince Ozobu's emergence as Secretary General. When I was over-ruled in the involvement of government in the affairs of Ohaneze, the argument against my view was that Ohaneze needed the support of government for funding. Enugu State Government is the permanent host and landlord of the Ohaneze National Secretariat. To over-rule Enugu State Ohaneze on the important issue of filling the slot of Secretary General zoned to the State will be laying a dangerous foundation for an incoming Executive that requires everybody's cooperation to succeed.
Source: The Guardian, 25^th February 2009.

Ohanaeze's task in charting new identity for Ndigbo
From Lawrence Njoku, Enugu

THE new national executive of the Igbo apex organisation, he Ohanaeze Ndigbo has been challenged to reposition Ndigbo towards ensuring that they maintain their place in the main stream of Nigeria politics.

In his valedictory speech at the inauguration of the new executive in Awka, Anambra State, the organisation's outgoing President General, Dr Dozie Ikedife said the challenge of uniting Ndigbo worldwide was should be taken seriously.

Ikedife said that Ndigbo, as citizens of the largest nation in the Africa, appreciates peace and unity and would continue to uphold that in the quest of carrying out their legitimate business in any part of the country.

He said that although Ndigbo, more than any other tribe in the country, felt at home in any part anywhere in Nigeria, there should be parity of states within the geopolitical zones and that a sixth state should be created in the South East.

He said: "We resent the lack of federal amenities in our area, the despair of federal roads, and the discriminatory allocation of appointments and resources." He said that the challenge therefore, was for the new leadership to believe in the position of Ohanaeze that, "the Nigerian economy will not be diversified nor will there be property until the constitution is reviewed to provide for six or eight federating units."

He restated the position of Ohanaeze on electoral reforms to the fact that existing electoral laws and the strict sanctioning of electoral offenders are the ways to transform the quality of governance in the nation.

On the internal politics of the South East, he said that the task was for the new leadership to take control of politics, organise and empower the town unions to defend democracy at the grassroots. He stressed that town unions should be the fourth tier of government fully capable at their level of giving strategic direction to economic development and electoral practice in the communities. In this regard, he talked on Igbo economy, which he said is being revitalised through the South East Nigeria Economic Commission, a joint venture between state governments, private sectors and Igbo communities to promote economic and social development in the state. He asked the new leadership to buy into it.

The new leadership may be mapping out its strategies after an enlarged inaugural meeting at Ogwashi Uku, in Delta State where far-reaching decisions on how to advance the cause of Ndigbo were reached.

All members of the executive attended.

The Secretary General of the organisation, Chief Nduka Eya told The Guardian in Enugu that the collective enthusiasm was an indication that none was ready to be part of any acrimony that could send the zone backward in the affairs of the country.

According to him, the meeting viewed that Ndigbo had not lagged behind following discords and personal quest for lucre. The President General Ambassador Raph Uwechue lamented the infiltration from outside that has become the major problem confronting the development of Igboland.

Eya said: "Never again will the organisation be used by politicians to feather their nest. Never again should we allow any person or group to use the name of Ohanaeze to foment trouble. All these we have tried and allowed to happen in the past and they never paid us any good. Rather, it created so much disunity, discord and infighting. It is our desire to nip it in the bud and move the organisation to play her role as socio-cultural organisation and not a political grouping."

According to him, the organisation would soon unfold a blue print on how to reorganise the state affiliations to enable them play their constitutional roles in the communities by galvanising "our people into doing that which is in line with the culture and tradition of Igbo person."

He said that Ndigbo has for long been on the receiving end by allowing themselves to be used by others in political matters.

"But what we see is a situation where our people are used to divide us. We are kept in a position where we have nothing to offer, we cannot speak for our people for fear of losing our jobs. It is our view that we will champion the cause of our people. We have noted the near impassible roads, lack of adequate federal presence, decay of infrastructure and others. We intend to do is to keep our house first in order," Eya said.

To reconcile all divergent interests in the organisation and present a united front, Eya said that the meeting agreed to meet with members with divergent views to make them realise that development would continue to be distorted in Igboland unless the zone spoke with one voice. According to him, achieving the set goals of the organisation required the full support of everyone.

Eya said that another priority was how to return Igbo language, culture and tradition and work towards regaining the zone's lost identity while imbibing foreign culture.

That move towards recapturing the lost identity and culture of Ndigbo became real at the weekend when leaders of the zone gathered in Enugu to celebrate the first Igbo Culture and Civilisation using the Prof. Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart.

Ohanaeze led other Igbo organisations to the three-day event, which was held at the OfuObi Cultural and Arts Centre, Enugu. Others are the Catholic Institute for Development, Justice and Peace (CIDJAP), Conference of Democratic Scholars (CODES), Izu Umunne in Jos, Plateau State, Ndigbo Lagos, Aka Ikenga, Igbo Studies Association USA and Whelan Research Academy, Owerri.

Those who spoke at the event including Prof Laz Ekwueme, Uwechue, Prof Uzodinma Nwala, Prof Richard Okafor, and Prof Emeka Okpala among others. The Director of CIDJAP Prof Obiora Ike, told The Guardian that despite all that have been said about Igbo culture, that Achebe's book, which has been acknowledged as an 'exceptional piece" portrays the "uniqueness and beauty of Igbo nay Africa."

He said, "I would say that the Igbo nation is ancient. It is rich in value, in history in ethnology and in culture. The African people did not have much in terms of written tradition. They have a long-term established oral tradition. Often times in the past, African history, Nigerian history, Igbo history was written by others and our voices were only listened to by interpreters. Achebe was the first who wrote a history, a literature piece telling the Igbo story as an Igbo and a Nigerian within the context of Nigerian history with Things Fall Apart.

"What we are, our essence, our ambition, our life style and that book come within the context you might say, of modernity and antiquity. Achebe sees in the British poet Yeats, the epitome of the drama that happened in Africa, in Nigeria on Igbo territory as a result of colonial incursion. Achebe therefore reflected the verse "the center cannot hold, things fall apart, mere anarchy be loosened upon the world." This is the background that drives us."

Ike, a former Vicar General of the Catholic Diocese of Enugu, said the coming together, which would also be replicated in other states of the zone including Delta and Rivers was a way of ensuring that "our sons and daughters, whether they are politicians, church leaders, academics, traders, men and women including the youth, all can come together to celebrate our culture. We are focusing on artworks, visual arts, drama, poetry, songs, music including masquerade, all these interlocking within a framework where the correct questions of governance, politics, social studies, history and gender are asked and answered.

Stressing that a people or tribe without culture was a lost tribe, he said, "culture is the entire way of life of a people, culture is the language, religion, artifacts, culture, habits, clothing, signs and symbols, dance and music. When we say culture is the entire life of a people, we understand culture as a fundamental structure; every other thing comes under it. Culture is important, it is relevant; it transmits to us about the past, present and continuity in future."

He said that Ohanaeze Ndigbo had begun well by showing full support to ensure that the programme was observed. He added that observing the event annually would help change the orientation and negative views the people hold about their identity.

Ike noted that Ndigbo lost their culture through colonialism when they invaded the territory and "tried to replace our fundamental values like language and dressing mode and our way of life. Their efforts took its toll on our psyche and in the way we look at ourselves."

Indeed, it is new dawn in Igboland and if promises of a better tomorrow by her leaders were anything to go by, then, the Igbo would once again bounce back to reckoning.
Source: The Guardian, 19^th February 2009.

Ohanaeze and the future of Igbo institutions

A press statement released Monday February 9, 2009 by the Igbo group, Ndigbo Lagos on the initial controversy on the nomination by the Enugu State chapter of the Ohanaeze of a secretary general for the National Executive Council of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo. The NEC, led by Ambassador Raph Uwechue was sworn in on Friday January 30.

OVER the past few weeks we have watched the unfolding drama of the question of who from Enugu State becomes the Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo. Though we had expected this to be quietly resolved without the excesses we have witnessed recently, it has not been, hence the need to make this statement.

At the heart of this confusion is the attempt to truncate Constitutionality and uphold the rascality of oppression. We stand against that and pitch our tents firmly for the defense of our Constitution and Institutions

Ndigbo Lagos has over the years remained non-partisan over issues that concern Ndigbo, and have demonstrated this in various ways, most especially in the provision of un-dented leadership in areas often neglected by most: Standing for the Truth! Ohanaeze has firmly wrested on Constitutionality and we hope it remains the same.

Ohanaeze is a multipurpose platform for addressing Igbo questions and has over the years striven, even if with difficulty, to stand up for our people. In the last five years it became much politicised thanks to Prof. Joe Irukwu's and Chief Joe Achuzia's insensitivity and misapplication of the trust given to them by Ndigbo. We are not unmindful that external influence played a major factor in that.

When they took us through the wrong turn, it appeared as if none would ever speak up for Ndigbo again; Ndigbo Lagos came in to fill the gap, like they have done countless times. It was the process of standing up for Ndigbo, which led to the emergence of Dr. Dozie Ikedife, who if history is any guide, would be vindicated for upholding the Constitution of Ohanaeze, and faithfully seeing through a process that has brought in the present eminently credible leadership of Ohanaeze under Ambassador Raph Uwechue.

Up till the very week of the election, some of those who now strive to lead Ndigbo, or influence who does that, continued in their negative penchant for insulting the leadership of the institution they now crave to lead. They have maintained and carried out multiple anti Igbo actions including debasing our Constitution, Institutions and most brazenly our Values. They have proved by their antecedents that they do not possess the right kind of character Ndigbo can trust in the management of their affairs, and hence should not even aspire to be in the Ohanaeze National Executive.

We have heard a variety of arguments including some people purporting and pretending to be 'a candidate of the Governor of Enugu State'. This has been denied both by the Governor and his aides. Besides, even if someone stands as the nominated candidate of the Governor of a State, it does not translate to a justification to force such candidacy upon Ndigbo. States may have had candidates elected, who may have been favoured by their Governors, even if this were true, does tacit support by a Governor translate to suitability or electability? And who says that the Governors, who are Ohanaeze members, cannot lend their voices in nominating the candidates, but the final decision lies on the General assembly to choose such person.

Without any shadow of doubt, we commend the very good job the Governor of Enugu State is doing and welcome also the dignified manner in which he has tried to approach the issues of governance in the state. Those trying to use his name or associate him with their anti-Igbo activities and actions are surely on their own and would fail.

At the heart of these problems lies the rascality of the few who are determined to impose themselves on us. It sing-posts the deeper question of the collapse of values that have been bastardized and thus threatens to destroy every attempt at building and nurturing strong Institutions amongst Ndigbo. We would not be fooled again and would not allow our moral right to good leadership be jeopardized again by a handful of thugs posing as Igbo leaders, and pretending to be supported by a state Governor or even in time past by federal might.

The Executive

There is no question of where we stand on the matter. Ndigbo had by electing and swearing in the following: Ambassador Raph Uwechue (President, Anioma, Delta State); Chief Nduka Eya, (Secretary, Enugu State), Chief Eddy Onuoha (Deputy Secretary, Imo State), Chief Garry Emwo-igariwey (Vice President, Ebonyi State), Chief Alozie Nwogu (Vice President Abia), Barr. Hyacinth Nweke, (Vice President, Anambra), Chief Chris Asoluka, (Vice President, Imo) Chief Isaac Wonwu, (Vice President, Rivers State), Chief Enechi Onyia (Vice President, Enugu), Chief Elder E. O. Okparanta (National Treasurer Abia) Elder Nweke Anyigor (National Financial Secretary, Ebonyi), Chief Ralph Ndigwe (National Publicity Secretary, Anambra) Chief Barr. Reuben Okoro (National Legal Adviser, Imo) Barr. Elder Oyibo Chukwu (Asst. National Legal Adviser, Enugu) Barr. I. O. Ahize (Asst. National Treasurer, Anambra), Barr. Ifeanyi Olunkwa (Asst. Publicity Secretary, Abia), Chief Emmanuel Ajoku Alariche (Asst. National Financial Secretary, Rivers), Dr. T. N. Atanmo (State chairman Anambra), Chief Chimkwe Ndimele, (Chairman, Abia), Dr. J. B. Okolle (Chairman, Imo), Chief Augustine Ogbonna (Chairman, Ebonyi), and Chief Obi Emeka Nwaka (Chairman, Anioma), as the National Executive Council, in Awka, by Justice Ononiba, on Friday January 30, 2009 made a good turn. We stand by that and warn that those who think Ndigbo would shy away from fighting head on this time around to have a rethink. All those who think they can take us for granted and continue rubbishing Ndigbo would meet with firm and honest opposition, and we assure them that their brazen attitudes would not go unchecked and would be countered.

Our Pitch

We do not take it lightly that over the years, all over Igboland, not a few rascals, charlatans, mediocrities and self-seeking men and women have taken over our land and its values and Institutions and appropriated it as if it were their own. This ought to stop and must stop!

To the Uwechue team, we reiterate our support and commitment to the task you have been entrusted with on our behalf and urge you to go on without fear of intimidation to carry them out. To Ndigbo everywhere, we urge you to rise up and defend that which belongs to all of us. We cannot shy away from our duties and responsibilities, one of which is to stand by the Uwechue team today.

The values we have all shared and the Institutions we all have will be upheld by us. Ofo na Ogu awaits anyone, from within or outside who works against the Igbo ethos. In our watch, Igbo values, Institutions and Ethos would be upheld.

This we Chief Chris Ezeh (President), Prof. Anya O. Anya (Vice President), Chief Anthony Idigbe (Secretary), Admiral Allison Madueke (Executive member), Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (Executive member), Dr. Chijoke Kanu (Abia State President), Chief Emma Anyadike (Anambra state President), Engr. Victor Amorha (Enugu State President) Chief. Emma Ohakwe (Imo State President)

Chief Dr. Sylvan Ebigwei (President Aka Ikenga), Igwe Laz Ekwueme, Dr. Uma Eleazu and Chief Dave Nwachukwu on behalf of Ndigbo Lagos, stand for and would urge Ndigbo everywhere to pitch in.
Source: The Guardian, 11^th February 2009.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo demands creation of 6th South-East state
••• As Uwechue takes over leadership
From GEOFFREY ANYANWU, Awka

Apex Igbo socio- cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo at the weekend insisted that time for creation of one additional state in the South-East geo-political zone to bring the zone at par with other zones of the federation was now, warning that any attempt to further delay it would amount to intentional denial of the right of Ndigbo.

The immediate past President General of the organization, Dr Dozie Ikedife who made the statment in his valedictory speech at the inauguration of the new Ohanaeze leadership elected last year at the Women Development Centre, Awka, said the South-East stood for justice and fair play.

The new executive of Ohanaeze Ndigbo is led by Ambassdor Ralph Uwechue who hails from Anioma in Delta State. His election was done in accordance with the organization's rotation of presidency policy and the decision that Anioma would produce the president after Ikedife.
Many had, however, wanted Ikedife to continue because of his leadership qualities but he declined, insisting that the constitution of Ohanaeze did not have room for second tenure and must be adhered to strictly.

He said:"We demand that there should be parity of states within the geo-political zones and that the sixth state promised to the South-East zone should now be created. We resent the lack of federal amenities in our area, disrepair of federal roads and the discriminatory allocation of appointments and resources. Our country should make us proud if justice and equity prevail."

Ikedife, however, called on Ndigbo to take seriously the creation of the South-East Nigeria Economic Commission, which is a joint venture partnership between state governments, private sector operators and Igbo communities to promote economic and social development in the zone.
The commission, he said, enjoyed the support of Ohanaeze Ndigbo because it was planned to be the beginning of a new economic order in Igboland.

In his acceptance speech, the new President General, Amb. Uwechue said time had come when Ndigbo should work for the upliftment of their legitimate interest.
He assured that his administration would strive hard to establish self confidence in the Igbo people, stressing that "nobody will deter the new executive from performing their duties, neither will they be frightened by anybody."

Ndigbo, he advised, should put doubt behind them and work for the future, adding that the legacies of his predecessor on whom he showered praises, would be kept alive.
Also speaking, National Chairman of the Inauguration Committee, Chief Chris Okoye advocated an Ohanaeze Ndigbo that would once more become the coordinating council of the civil society organizations and concept of the people in Igboland.

He said,"Ohanaeze will become the foundation upon which a disciplined, modern day democracy will rise in Igboland."

Chairman on the occasion and Dean, Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, Archbishop Maxwell Anikwenwa blamed the problem of Ndigbo on their extreme republicanism and urged them to come together and work as one family in the overall interest of the Igbo race, adding that if that was done Igboland would be a greater challenge to the Nigerian nation.
Source: Sun, 2^{nd February 2009.}

Restructure Nigeria, Ohanaeze Tells FG
By Emmanuel Nzomiwu,Reporter, Enugu

Group Politics Editor of Independent Newspapers Limited (INL), Sunny Igboanugo; and distinguished Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mike Ahamba; were among eminent Igbo men who were awarded certificates of recognition by the pan Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo for their contributions to the cause of the Igbo nation.

Others who were recognised include Chief Enechi Onyia (SAN), Sir Chris Okoye, Prof. Ben Obumselu and newly-inaugurated Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nduka Eya.

Outgoing President General of Ohanaeze, Dr. Dozie Ikedife, presented certificates to these personalities at the weekend during the handing over ceremony of Ohanaeze Ndigbo at Awka, Anambra State.

Delivering his valedictory address titled 'The Ethnic Group and the Nation', Ikedife thanked the entire Ndigbo for electing him to the high office and supporting him whole-heartedly during the difficult years of his tenure.

In the address that contained some parting words to his successor, Ambassador Ralph Uwaechue, he noted that the presidency of Ohanaeze is ideally a full-time job, though people do not appreciate fully what it entails presiding at Imeobi (inner caucus) meetings, National Executive Committee meetings and several other committee meetings.

The Igbo patriot recalled that the last two years under his reign were exceptionally difficult characterised by problems, some of which arose from the way the 2003 election was conducted.

According to him, in some South East states, the people knew which parties won election but did not know who their candidates were while the Houses of Assembly were torn by factional conflicts between Abuja men and local men.

Also recalling that the tenure of the Governors was always in danger, Ikedife noted that Senate presidents of Igbo extraction were also liable to step on banana peels, all being manoeuvrings of the imperial presidency in Abuja which wanted to take personal control of politics in Igboland.

Pointing out that Ohanaeze believes in justice and equity in the country, he demanded that there should be parity of states among the geo-political zones and that South East gets a sixth state to bring it at par with other zones that have at least six states each, though one has seven.

Ikedife regretted that Nigeria became a federation only in name but a unitary state in reality, where economically, it narrowed the perspective of government from many development issues which regional issues used to address to petroleum only.

"Ohanaeze Ndigbo is convinced that the Nigerian economy will not be diversified until the constitution is reviewed to provide for six or eight federating units," he said.
Source: Daily Independent, 1^{st February 2009.}

Ohanaeze Plans Relocation Of Secretariat From Enugu
From Lawrence Njoku, Enugu

The crisis in the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, over the position of secretary general of the group, assumed a new twist yesterday, as the new leadership of the organisation plans to relocate its secretariat from Enugu State.

It was gathered that the plan to relocate the secretariat of the organisation from Enugu was borne out of the desire to reposition it to enable it serve the overall interests of Ndigbo, coupled with the recent threats to the existence of the organisation by members of a political group in Enugu state.

It was further gathered that the continued operation of the group from its national secretariat in Enugu has come under serious threat since its leadership failed to recognise Prince Richard Ozobu as secretary general after a series of pressure from the state government that he (Ozobu) was its preferred candidate for the position.

Rather, the leadership had on Friday in Awka sworn in Chief Nduka Eya, described as an "enemy of government" to the position, a development said to have taken the state government by surprise.

A reliable source told The Guardian at the Ohanaeze secretariat in Enugu yesterday that the new leaders of the group were no longer comfortable "with the several incursions by some sponsored persons into the secretariat", adding that, the development has become a major threat in the continued existence of the secretariat in Enugu.

The source referred to the "forceful invasion" of the secretariat by a group allegedly led by a Special Adviser to the governor, which on November 27 last year, met and approved the candidature of Ozobu for the position of secretary in defiance of an earlier election by the state chapter, where Chief Nduka Eya emerged as winner.

"After the action, the group had stormed the organisation's national election at Awka on November 29 and forced it to suspend the election of secretary general which was allocated to Enugu State

"The same group had also on Friday January 16, disrupted the imeobi (inner caucus) meeting of the organisation called to fine-tune plans for the inauguration of the new national executive, forcing the leaders at the meeting to relocate to another venue to hold their meeting," the source added.

He stated that the incessant incursions into the secretariat had become a source of worry to the leadership of the organisation, adding that the new thinking was to "pave way for peace as well as ensure that the constitution was not tampered in any way".

The source said that though the Enugu governor, Sullivan Chime, had always denied involvement in the several incursions made by the group loyal to his administration at the secretariat, he might not have forgotten the role played by some new leaders of the organisation during the governorship tribunal sitting in Enugu. Eya, for one, testified against him.

It was further gathered that last Friday when the group led by Ozobu arrived in Awka and discovered that Eya had been recognised and sworn in as the new Secretary General of Ohanaeze, they vowed not to allow the group have access to the secretariat any longer.

The source added: "We cannot continue to be threatened because somebody wants government interest protected outside our constitution. We have do abide by our constitution to the latter and that is why we won't give up.

"Some people have told us that the secretariat belongs to Enugu and that was why they did not obtain permission from the managers of the people before invading it to hold a purported election or come into it anyhow. It is sad and the height of ignorance," the source added.

It could be recalled that the contention between factions in Enugu State over the preferred candidate for secretary between Eya and Ozobu, made the national leadership hold down the election into that position during the national election last year.

It added: "We don't need to be in Enugu to run the affairs of Ohanaeze and that is why we are not bothered about the recent attack on the leadership by some group in Enugu state. We believe that they are enjoying support of government and that is why nobody cares to call them to order. But we have alternative and that is what we intend to do."

The national secretariat, which is bereft of modern facilities, was donated to the organisation by the administration of Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo in 1991. Since then, no effort has been made to renovate the structures at the place.

Efforts made to reach the new leadership of the organisation on the development yesterday proved abortive, as none of the leaders could respond to calls on their mobile phones.
Source: Guardian, 1^{st February 2009.}

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Ralph Uwechue, OFR
President General
Ohanaeze

OHANAEZE
List of Officers

 Amb. Ralph Uwechue, OFR
PRESIDENT-GENERAL
Chief G. Nnachi Enwo-Igariwey
DEPUTY PRESIDENT-GENERAL
Chief Alozie Nwagwu
VICE PRESIDENT GENERAL - Abia
 Barr. Hyacinth A. Nweke
Vice President - Anambra
 Chief Enechi Onyia (SAN)
Vice President - Enugu
 Chief Engr. Isaac Wonwu
Vice President - Rivers
 Chief Chris Asoluka
Vice President - Imo
Chief Nduka Eya
SECRETARY-GENERAL
Chief Eddie Onuoha
DEPUTY SECRETARY-GENERAL
Prince(Engr. ) Ralph Ndigwe
NATIONAL PUBLICITY SECRETARY
Chief Elder E. O. Okparanta
NATIONAL TREASURER
Chief Nweke Anyigor
NATIONAL FINANCIAL SECRETARY
Chief Reuben Okoro
NATIONAL LEGAL ADVISER
Barr. Ifeanyi Olunkwa
Asst. Nat. PUBLICITY SECR.
Barr. I. O. Ahize
Asst. Nat. TREASURER
Mr. Ajoku E. Alerechi
Asst. Nat. FIN. SECRETARY
Chief Bar. Oyibo Chukwu
Ass. Nat. LEGAL ADVISER

Dr. Ikedife's HAND OVER SPEECH

Group Politics Editor of Independent Newspapers Limited (INL), Sunny Igboanugo; and distinguished Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mike Ahamba; were among eminent Igbo men who were awarded certificates of recognition by the pan Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo for their contributions to the cause of the Igbo nation. Others who were recognised include Chief Enechi Onyia (SAN), Sir Chris Okoye, Prof. Ben Obumselu,Prince( Engr.) Ralph Ndigwe and newly- inaugurated Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nduka Eya. Outgoing President General of Ohanaeze, Dr. Dozie Ikedife, presented certificates to these personalities at the weekend during the handing over ceremony of Ohanaeze Ndigbo at Awka, Anambra State.Delivering his valedictory address titled 'The Ethnic Group and the Nation', Ikedife thanked the entire Ndigbo for electing him to the high office and supporting him whole-heartedly during the difficult years of his tenure.
In the address that contained some parting words to his successor,  Ambassador Ralph Uwaechue, he noted that the presidency of Ohanaeze is ideally a full-time job, though people do not appreciate fully what it entails presiding at Imeobi (inner caucus) meetings, National Executive Committee meetings and several other committee meetings.
The Igbo patriot recalled that the last two years under his reign were exceptionally difficult characterised by problems, some of which arose from the way the 2003 election was conducted.
According to him, in some South East states, the people knew which parties won election but did not know who their candidates were while the Houses of Assembly were torn by factional conflicts between Abuja men and local men.
Also recalling that the tenure of the Governors was always in danger,
Ikedife noted that Senate presidents of Igbo extraction were also liable to step on banana peels, all being manoeuvrings of the imperial presidency in Abuja which wanted to take personal control of politics
in Igboland.
Pointing out that Ohanaeze believes in justice and equity in the country, he demanded that there should be parity of states among the geo-political zones and that South East gets a sixth state to bring it at par with other zones that have at least six states each, though one has seven.
Ikedife regretted that Nigeria became a federation only in name but a unitary state in reality, where economically, it narrowed the perspective of government from many development issues which regional issues used to address to petroleum only.
"Ohanaeze Ndigbo is convinced that the Nigerian economy will not be diversified until the constitution is reviewed to provide for six or eight federating units," he said.

Tony Otoiheoma Egbe
Asst. Deputy Secretary General
IWA Media & Publicity Institute.