New Ohanaeze PG —Omenazu speaks with News Band, dismisses claims of factionalization
Dr. Jackson Omenazu has dismissed the alleged factionalization of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, following his recent emergence as the new President-General’ of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation.
Though, his emergence marks a historic moment for the Igbo of Rivers State, as it is the first time since the end of the bloody civil war, that someone from the oil rich state has been elected to this leadership position.
Mr. Omenazu, who is from Obiakpor Local Government of from Rivers State, was appointed alongside other key figures including Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, who became the Deputy President-General, and several others who also emerged unopposed.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Prince Dr. Richard Ozobu-led Ohanaeze Ndigbo 2025 Election Committee, alongside the Secretary of the Committee, Prof. Chibuikeya Achokawa, confirmed the election of the new National Executive Council (NEC).
Omenazu, in his acceptance speech, underscored the importance of his victory as a reversal of long-standing historical injustices faced by the Igbo of Rivers State.
He also stressed a break from political manipulation, with a vow to safeguard Ohanaeze Ndigbo from being used as a tool by political elites for mundane gains.
He said, “It is a historical event as all injustices meted against the indigenous Igbo of Rivers State have been reversed.
“The selection of an indigenous Igbo from Rivers State as President General is not merely a token representation. It is a bold declaration that we have reclaimed our identity and rectified the historical injustices that have plagued us for generations.
“The era of using our revered organization as a pawn in the political chess game is over.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo is reaffirmed as the apex socio-cultural organization representing the entirety of the Igbo people, our focus shall pivot decisively toward issues that directly benefit our communities and enhance our collective progress.”
“While we welcome collaboration with our governors as Imeobi members, we will not become subservient to their interests.
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“Our immediate agenda, as the newly elected executive council, features a multi-faceted approach aimed at addressing the critical issues plaguing the Southeast. Chief among these is the urgent need to tackle insecurity—this will require concerted efforts alongside our friends and allies.
“We firmly stand for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, whose plight has become emblematic of our quest for justice and self-determination.
“We urge the government to recognize the importance of incorporating ethnicity and religion in the forthcoming 2025 census. Such representations are essential to rectifying historical misrepresentations and ensuring that our voices are heard in the administrative frameworks that govern our lives.”
But Omenazu who spoke exclusively with NewsBand Newspaper, clarified the position of Fidelis Chukwu, who was elected as the PG of Ohanaeze last December.
He said the former national vice chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) came to power based on the ‘doctrine of necessity’ to complete the tenure of late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.
He said, “Imo state was duty bound to replace late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu as the President-General of Ohaneze. So, Fidelis Chukwu was only appointed to complete his tenure. I was in the meeting when he was nominated. His tenure elapsed after 27 days which paved way for my emergence.”
When Omenazu was also queried while it was never mentioned that Fidelis Chukwu was nominated to complete the tenure of Iwuanyanwu, he blamed the past administration of Ohanaeze for not giving out the right information to the general people.
