IPOB Founder, Justice Eze Ozobu Denounces Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, As Igbo Mandate Congress, Ohanaeze Seeks Release Of Protesters

 November 10, 2015

 

The presumed founder of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), Retired Justice Eze Ozobu has denounced the hate speeches and incitement to aggression as being portrayed by persons under the guise of Radio Biafra.

 

Speaking with Rev Obinna Aklukwe, Director General of Igbo Mandate Congress (IMC) who sought his views as part of the group’s ongoing consultations with Igbo leaders on how to put an end to hate speeches characterizing the new face of Radio Biafra, Justice Eze Ozobu said that he doesn’t even know the person called Nnamdi Kanu.

According to the respected Octogenarian, ‘ I do not know anybody called Nnamdi Kanu. You said that his name is what? how does he look like? I have never asked anybody to use violence or incitement to achieve any means"

 

Justice Eze Ozobu told Rev Akukwe that “for two years now I have not had audience with anybody over any matter political including  IPOB, Radio Biafra or any other group, neither do I listen to Radio Biafra.” He threatened to take legal actions against anybody who associates him with any hate speech, aggression and unruly activities in any ramifications.

 

The wife of Justice Eze Ozobu, a retired permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Women Affairs also lashed out at those associating her husband with hate speeches as name droppers.

Igbo Mandate Congress Condemns Radio Biafra Hate Speeches, Demands Release of IPOB Protesters

November, 7th 2015

Igbo Mandate Congress has condemned the hate speeches against other ethnic nationalities in Nigeria which characterized the new face of Radio Biafra. Speaking with co-coordinators of the group at an emergency meeting in Enugu to evaluate the implication of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) successful protest march in Onitsha, Asaba, Owerri and Yenegoa on Friday, the Director General of Igbo Mandate Congress, Rev Obinna Akukwe, described the hate speeches as contrary to the spirit of Biafra.

 

According to Rev Akukwe” abusing the Hausa, the Fulani, and the Yoruba in the course of pursuing Biafra is anti-Christian. Christianity cannot support the dissemination of hate messages against fellow living beings created by God,and Igbos are predominantly Christians, rather anybody or group that wants Biafra should pursue it within the ambits of reasonable processes and international conventions.”

Rev Akukwe described the protesters as people who have been deceived into solely blaming the Nigerian project for the insensitivity of South East Leaders. Clarifying further, he said that “since 1999 Igbos have occupied positions of Senate Presidency, Deputy Senate Presidency, Party Chairmanship, Secretary to the Government of Nigeria, and yet the al important Enugu-Onitsha Highway, Enugu-Nsukka  Highway from Opi to 9^th Mile and Enugu-Port-Harcourt Highway from the Okigwe end   are the worst roads in Nigeria due to their selfish representations at the center.

Ohanaeze, Igbo Mandate Congress demand relocation of Boko Haram prisoners from Ekwuluobia Prisons

  July 5, 2015

Ohanaeze Ndigbo has condemned the relocation of Boko Haram prisoners recently transferred to Ekwuluobia prisons by the Buhari Government. Speaking after a joint interaction with prison officials and agents of Ekwuluobia Community on Friday at Awka, the Assistant National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Barrister Emejulu Okpalaukwu described the development as unacceptable.

According to him “Ekwuluobia Prisons is not the safest place to place Boko Haram criminals. They can be transferred to areas where they caused atrocities and not here”. He described the terrorists as being of “murderous minds and not good to infect the people of the South East with murderous mindset” Okpalaukwu further said that “ The entire Igbo and Ohanaeze leadership is watching the developments and will soon outline actions to reverse the trends if the developments is not reversed”.

The leadership of Igbo Mandate Congress (IMC) has also condemned the relocation of some murderers to Anambra State. Speaking with some government officials and traders in Awka on Friday after a joint fact finding chat with prison officials and Ekwuluobia Community leaders, the Director General of Igbo Mandate Congress, Rev Obinna Akukwe said that “obviously, this intended transfer of 300 prisoners to Anambra of which 47 was affected in the night of yesterday by military authorities is not part of the ‘Change’ we championed . I believe there is a mix up somewhere and the leaders of APC we have contacted have denied ever discussing such a matter. I have come here and seen with my eyes that indeed some terrorists are in Ekwuluobia and no Igbo man is happy about that.”

Zik’s Son’s Burial: Gov Obiano, Obi of Onitsha Dare Buhari

September 10, 2015

The attempt by President Muhammadu Buhari to give Owelie Chukwuma Azikiwe, first son of Nigeria’s first President, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe a befitting burial had run into stormy waters as the trio of Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State, HRH Alfred Achebe, Obi of Onitsha and Ambassador Emeka Azikiwe (Owelle’s sibling) had fixed an impromptu burial aimed at ensuring that Buhari’s presence is frustrated.

The stance of the trio had caused great tension within the Azikiwe family and Onitsha leaders that some groups had vowed to boycott the burial slated for Saturday, 12th of September, 2015, if efforts to get Buhari in physical attendance is deliberately frustrated.

Speaking with Rev Obinna Akukwe, Director General, Igbo Mandate Congress (IMC) over the crisis, the youngest brother of Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Akunne Ara Azikiwe decried the burial fixed for the 12th as “an attempt to bury the late Owelle like a fowl in order to punish him in death for his friendship with Buhari”.

President Buhari Vows To Give Azikiwe’s Son A Befitting Burial

7th July, 2015

·         Defies stance of disgruntled Igbo leaders

·         Sends Senator Ngige to Bring Situation Report on Ziks House

President Muhammadu Buhari has vowed to give the Owelle Chukwuma Azikiwe, the demised first son of Nigeria’s first President and Zik of Africa, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, a befitting burial. President Buhari stated this on Saturday4th July at Aso Villa when he met with a delegation from the Azikiwe Family who came to brief him on their preparedness for the event. He promised to do everything possible to ensure a smooth burial of a gentleman nationalist.

Those who met with Buhari at Aso Vil;la include Nwamulunamma Onuora Azikiwe (Spiritual Head of the Family), Akunne Arah Azikiwe (youngest brother of Rt Hon Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe) Engr Chukwuma Njaka (PA to late Owelle Chukwuma Azikiwe) and Senator Dr Chris Ngige (ex-Governor Anambra State)

This was against the backdrop of disturbing information that some elements within the Onitsha ruling house have teamed up with some disgruntled politicians in the South East to ensure that the late Zik’s son is buried like a fowl. The grouse of these disgruntled politicians is that Owelle Chukwuma Azikiwe preferred Buhari style of politics of integrity and honesty to the incumbent bandwagon and urged Igbos to support him.. Unfortunately, Owelle died after Buhari’s Victory and they decided to use the occasion of his death to punish him in the grave yard.

Azikiwe Family Asks Igbos to Support Buhari: Says Buhari’s votes were stolen in the South East

* Jonathan is a last minute hero of democracy
* Buhari’s votes were stolen in the South East
* Igbos have nothing to fear
The family of the first republic President of Nigeria, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe had called upon all Nigerians and Igbos in particular to lend support to the new President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari.
 

 Speaking when a delegation of leaders of Igbo Mandate Congress (IMC) led by its Director General, Rev Obinna Akukwe paid a condolence visit to the family, over the demise of Zik’s first son and Owelle of Onitsha, Dr Chukwuma Azikiwe, the youngest brother to the first republic President, Akunne Ara Azikiwe said that “Buhari is the man that will take Nigeria to the next levels of its existence”.
Akunne Ara Azikiwe who led the delegation that represented the Azikiwe family during the inauguration of President Buhari on Friday told the delegation of IMC shortly after the inauguration that “it is only Buhari that has the will to take on the cabals that held Nigeria hostage and break their stranglehold. Obasanjo had the goodwill but along the line he failed to live up to expectations. Yar’adua was not able to accomplish much due to his illness. Jonathan had the good intentions too sycophants held him hostage and ruined what could have been a transformation agenda for Nigeria.”

Going further, Ara Azikiwe said that “ the late Owelle of Onitsha, Chukwuma Azikiwe had always maintained a cordial relationship with the incumbent President Buhari which had spanned over two decades and the Owelle had sometimes visited Buhari in Kaduna because the family believed that a lot of ideals for which Rt Hon Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, the Zik of Africa stood for has rubbed off on Buhari. Zik never believed in corruption and elitist politics and always believed in government getting to the grassroots, these ideals are displayed by Buhari ‘’

N5 Billion Scam on Jonathan: Igbo Leaders Condemn Ohanaeze

 Feb 27, 2015

Igbo leaders in the nineteen northern states of Nigeria have continued to condemn the manner the National Executive of Ohanaeze  Ndigbo scammed President Goodluck Jonathan of N5 billion naira in return for second term endorsement.  They have threatened to expose the successive culture of corruption and betrayal of Ndigbo for pecuniary gains that has made the national body a disgrace to the South East.

Speaking with the Director General of Igbo Mandate Congress (IMC) Rev Obinna Akukwe in Abuja yesterday, the President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Kaduna State Chapter who is also the President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in the 19 Northern States, Barrister A.C. Amechi described what Ohanaeze Ndigbo National Body did to President Jonathan as scam. According to him “ it is wickedness to scam an innocent man( Jonathan) of  billions of naira , share it among yourselves and not remit  a single kobo  to any Ohanaeze Chapter in the North, yet you tell the man that all is in control among Igbos in the north”  The obviously infuriated Igbo leader in the north stated further that “ for Jonathan to get sizeable votes  in the north, he needs the mobilization of Ohanaeze Ndigbo who are the grassroots leaders and not these people sitting comfortably in the East and Abuja”  Barrister Amechi asked those who scammed the President to return back his money.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo: Sharing of Jonathan’s N5 billion Endorsement Gift Creates More Crisis

Feb 17, 3015

·         Northern Chapter Presidents Rejects Endorsement

·         Igbo Leaders Accused of embezzling  fund from the top

·         Rtd IGP Mike Okiro saves Ohanaeze leaders from shame , pays hotel bills 

The crisis generated by Jonathan’s N5 billion naira endorsement gift is increasing by the day as more groups within the body accuses Igariwey led faction  of scamming them. Ohanaeze Ndigbo had earlier endorsed Jonathan for a second term in Enugu two weeks ago after which pandemonium, fracas, tearing of dresses and biting off of fingers broke out at the secretariat over the sharing of the excess money. Among the groups that have rejected the earlier endorsement of Jonathan as a result of the sharing formula of the N5 billion naira gift is Igbo Delegates Assembly (IDA) in the 19 Northern States. This group was given N20 million naira to share among the 19 states of the north and FCT and each State got N1 million naira. IDA is alleging that the N20 million naira was the money Senator Hope Uzodimma promised them a year ago which Ohanaeze seized all these while.

President-General of the IDA, Chief S.N. Iyamah; and Public Relations Officer, Mr. Auston Ifedinezi, in a communiqué at the end of its meeting in Abuja called on all Igbo in the North to remain wherever they are and to collect their Permanent Voter Cards.

 They claimed that they were not given a dime from the N5 Billion naira from Jonathan despite being at the Ohanaeze Secretariat Enugu when the money was conveyed in vans. IDA have asked Igbos in the north to vote either Buhari or Jonathan, according to their conscience in  line with the directives of Ohanaeze Elders Council and Ohanaeze Caretaker Committee. The Igariwey led leadership is plotting to dissolve the IDA in the north for exposing the N5 billion naira gift. Leaders  of the group told Rev Akukwe in Abuja  that they have information that few  single persons (names withheld) smiled home with between N100 to N200 million naira and  one very big shot was given N300 million naira while the entire IDA in the north were given N20 million naira to go and share.

Jonathan’s N5 Billion Naira Endorsement Gift Tears Ohanaeze to Piec

February 10, 2015

• 19 Northern States Chapters Presidents Stranded in Enugu
• Igbo leaders kick against endorsement gift while Youths Rejoice
• Ohaneze Elders Council Condemns Endorsement of Jonathan

Pandemonium broke out at the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Secretariat Enugu on Tuesday during the sharing of the huge sums of money   given to the Igariwey led leadership of the body  for endorsing Jonathan’s second term.  Many persons who were at the endorsement venue smiled home with some tens and hundreds of thousands of naira and a few got some millions of naira.  Some obviously greedy  beneficiaries of the Ohanaeze national cake who felt shortchanged in the sharing formula had revealed to members of Ohanaeze Elders Council and  other Igbo leaders  in Nigeria and diaspora that Jonathan released N5billion naira and their leaders hid more than eighty percent of the money for themselves while releasing pittances to them.

This grumbling  group within the Igariwey led Ohanaeze Ndigbo Executive claimed that those who cornered a lion share of what was given by Jonathan campaign group includes Chief Emmanuel Iwunyanwu, Senator Hope Uzodimma, Eze Cletus Ilomuanya , Prof Goddy Uwazulike among others. They also fingered Chief Joe Nwaorgu and Chief O.A.U Onyema Secretary General and Deputy President General of Ohanaeze respectively, as those that gave those pittances not commensurate with their status as leaders and youth leaders in the organization. These men are threatening to expose all the secret deals from the secret Aso Villa meeting of January 12th to the events of Monday night if they are not adequately compensated.

Theme; Contentious Issue of Igbo Presidency; What Ohanaeze Must Tell Jonathan

Event Date 8th May, 2014

President Jonathan had come again for Igbo votes ahead of the emergence of successful All Progressive Congress (APC) Primaries which picked General Muhammadu Buhari as flagbearer. With the emergence of Buhari as APC candidate, it is obvious that it is no more tea party for the PDP, and one of the places they are farming seriously is Ohanaeze Ndigbo as avenue for much cherished Igbo votes. I want to use this opportunity to reproduce a text of the lecture I delivered at the burial of the former Ohanaeze Ndigbo President, Ambassador Ralph Uwechue, on the occasion of a colloquium held in his honour at Ohanaeze Ndigbo National Secretariat, Enugu on the 8^th of May, 2014. I do believe that Igbo leaders must negotiate with Jonathan on what he will do for the over 60 million Igbos in Nigeria and overseas or else they can as well look elsewhere in APC or UPC for alternative.

 

Theme; Contentious Issue of Igbo Presidency; What Ohanaeze Must Tell Jonathan

Being  An Address Presented By Rev Obinna Akukwe on the Occasion of Colloquium in Honor of Ambassador Raph Uwechue, Late President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide on the 8th of May, 2014, at Ohanaeze Ndigbo National Secretariat, Park Avenue Enugu

 

Today, we are gathered together to celebrate the demise of Ambassador Raph Uwechue, a beloved Igbo Leader and former president of this apex Igbo Organization.  Ambassador Uwechue believed in the actualization of Igbo Presidency after the turn of the South-South. He told me that on a few occasions we had discussions on the topic. As we remember the ideals of this Igbo Icon, who refused to betray Biafra during the unfortunate civil war, despite entreaties from Nigeria, the best farewell we can give to this great son is to stand by the ideals of Igbo Presidency after Jonathan tenure for which he stood.