Trouble may be brewing in the administrative working of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in rivers state as some Igbo stakeholder disagrees with the leadership style of the current president of Ohanaeze in Rivers state
one of the stake holders and an elder statesman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Rivers state chief Uchenna Okokoba in one of the Igbo platforms extracted by our correspondent expressed dissatisfaction with the leadership style of the Lucky Ekeji led Ohanaeze and threatens that igbo community might pull out of his leadership structure if numerous warnings and issues of disenfranchisement are not addressed
The Notice reads thus-
Good morning esteemed members of the Ndigbo Community in Rivers State. Warm regards to each of you.
I am High Chief Uchenna Okokoba. Whenever I emphatically assert the sufferings of the Igbos at the hands of saboteurs, be rest assured my claims are rooted in truth.
When I advocated for the rejection of certain individuals within our esteemed brotherhood, it is with conviction and foresight, ensuring the triumph of our union.
In reference to Lucky Ekeji, President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Rivers State, it is imperative to clarify a crucial matter. It is not within the power of a solitary individual to triumph over a united collective.
Lucky is cognizant of my pivotal role in his ascendancy to the presidency of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Rivers State. Our decision to endorse his leadership stemmed from a commitment to peace and progress for the Igbos in Rivers State. Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide intervened by establishing a committee to reconcile differences between Lucky and the Igbos in Rivers State. Consequently, an election was waived in favor of harmonization, a decision ratified after consultation with the late Obiozo.
It was agreed that the President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Rivers State and its youth coordinator should hail from Ikwerre, while other offices would be distributed among the five Igbo-speaking states.
This agreement stipulated that after four years of Lucky’s presidency, we will bring another Ikwerre man from our side to assume the presidency.
Regrettably, his administration has been fraught with discord since its inception.
Initially, he compelled us to purchase forms, contrary to the harmonization directive by Obiozo’s leadership. We unwittingly enriched him with ten thousand naira per person.
Moreover, funds earmarked for addressing issues within Ohanaeze Ndigbo Rivers State vanished without accountability. Contributions intended for our secretariat and other projects were misappropriated.
Calls for transparency were met with disdain, as Lucky marginalized dissenting voices, deeming them non-executives.
To exacerbate matters, he publicly declared Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Rivers State as an Ikwerre entity, alienating the broader Igbo community. Ironically, these contributions were sourced from ordinary Igbos struggling to make ends meet.
During crises in Ikoku, the murder of Chima Ikwunado, or the turmoil in Oyigbo, Lucky remained conspicuously absent, prioritizing personal gain over community welfare.
Dishearteningly, he barred Igbo delegates from meeting with Mr. Iwuanyanwu, President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, undermining our collective representation.
In light of these grievances, I have initiated a protest movement to disassociate well-meaning Igbos in Rivers State from Lucky’s leadership. Despite being unable to orchestrate his removal, severing ties with Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Rivers State is imperative for our collective dignity and security.
I implore your cooperation in thwarting this threat to the Igbo nation’s well-being.
Sincerely,
High Chief Uchenna Okokoba.