Politics
By Anthony Isibor
THE Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has described as fabricated falsehood the allegations that it resolved at the March 27, 2024 Retreat to send emissaries to beg the Fulani over January 1966 military coup
Debunking the allegation, Chiedozie Alex Ogbonnia, National Publicity Secretary, Ohanaeze Ndigbo described it as a figment of a plaintive imagination, fabricated in the dark, decorated with wings, injected with venoms and hate and propelled to fly to various corners, fronts and heights in order to create mistrust and taints on the leadership of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
In the bid to clarify its stand more elaborately, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo took an opinion poll of the dignitaries who attended the retreat on the alleged falsehood that it planned to beg the Fulani.
Below is what some persons who attended the retreat has to say on the matter according to Ogbonnia’s statement.
“Collins Steve Ugwu, who took part in the retreat expressed his shocked at the falsehood in circulation. In a statement titled “On That So Called Iwuanyanwu/Ohanaeze Voice Notes”. Steve stated that the “well attended retreat did release an official communique that was unambiguous, and never had this sleaze of narratives”.
“Steve regretted that “the contagion of falsehood gains the wing of leprosy, when people at the speed of disruptive internet science, manipulate and manufacture narratives that can instantly de-robe reputations, destroy foundations and wrestle honesty into the mud”
“Charles Ogbu, on the other hand, questioned whether “the proposed Fulani Begging was discussed before or after the same meeting we all attended? In the words of Ogbu: “I make bold to say that the people, who believe that story are those with a bias against Ohanaeze who needed no reason in the first place to denigrate the Apex Igbo socio-cultural organization. But my advice to such people is that they should continue. Our people have a saying: ‘egbuo dike na ogu uno, oruzie na ogu agu, achoba dike’”
“Admiral Madueke, who was also the Chairman of the event, as stated by Sir Victor Udah, fumed over such false fabrication which was designed simply to tarnish the image of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
On his own part, Professor ABC Nwosu wondered why the Igbo will continue to slaughter their leaders on the altar of Nigerian politics of “It is either I am the Leader or we destroy Ohanaeze”.
Major General CRU Ihekire, rtd. said: I categorically stated that the claims were false and malicious. “I want to make it clear that I have never been associated with any such organization or engaged in discussions regarding an apology for the events of January 15th, 1966. I did not participate in the said military coup, which involved officers and men from various regions, not just the Igbo ethnic group. I hereby warn individuals, groups, or organizations spreading these falsehoods to cease and desist from using my name without authorization with the intention to give credibility to their falsehood. Failure to comply with this warning will result in appropriate legal action.
For Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo, who addressed a press conference on the matter, stated categorically that “Igbos owe nobody apology over 1966 Coup” https://journalist101.com/2024/05/04/igbos-owe-nobody-apology-over-1966-coup-says-ohanaeze/ and stated that he never contemplated, intended, mulled or canvassed begging the Fulani.
“I don’t expect that somebody or a Christian will come out and tell a complete false story against me. I never said anything like that,” Iwuanyanwu said.
“On Sunday, May 5, 2024, at 7pm, Mazi Tochukwu Ezeoke of Njeje fame hosted a State of the Nation where all Igbo both at home and in the Diaspora had a one-on-one zoom conversation with Iwuanyanwu.
“The worst of the diatribes came from one Nwankwo T Nwaezeigwe, PhD, a professor at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he alleged that Ohanaeze Ndigbo received N100 billion as Fulani bribe for a kangaroo apology on behalf of Ndigbo for Nzeogwu’s assassination of Ahmadu Bello. One hundred billion Naira bribe!. This is falsehood from the pit of hell. Of course, only an insane professor, will maliciously disseminate false information. I leave the general public to assess the said UNN professor and the damages he has done to Nigerian students.”
However, Harford Ugwu explained that the author of the falsehood, who stirred the hornet’s nest, regretted over what he called a slip of tongue and apologized profusely. He added: “As much as one may wonder how such an unimaginable invidious monstrous perversion entered his head, the fact remains that Harford has duly apologized.”
Realnews reports that the Ohanaeze Retreat, which was chaired by Admiral Allison Amaechina Madueke, a former Chief of Naval Staff of the Nigerian Armed Forces and former governor of Old Anambra and Old Imo States, was attended by the target audience comprising the chairmen and members of all the Ohanaeze Committees, association of town union presidents, women groups, captains of industry, amongst others.
The speakers at the event included Prof. Okey Ikechukwu, Monsignor Prof. Obiora Ike, Prof. Nnenna Oti, Nnaemeka Obiaraeri, Sam Obaji and Kate Ezeofor.
A.I
Tags: Chiedozie Alex Ogbonnia Ohaneze
