From Emmanuel Uzor, Awka
Ohanaeze Ndigbo has dissociated itself from the activities of Simon Ekpa, who is currently in detention in Finland over allegation of terrorism.
Vice President of Ohanaeze, Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene, who disclosed this in Awka, also reiterated a call on President Bola Tinubu to release the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
He further said that the apex Igbo socio-cultural group had also zoned the next President General of the group to Imo State for a period of two months to complete the tenure of the state that was truncated by the death of Prof. George Obiozor and Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, who hailed from Imo State.
“We are not concerned about the arrest of Simon Ekpa in Finland. He is somebody who destroyed the economy of the South East. So, we don’t know him because he has not been consistent. Nnamdi Kanu is consistent but Ekpa said he’s a content creator, so, how do we take somebody who is doing content creation in faraway Finland seriously, he should join Nollywood. As for Nnamdi
“I equally want to use this opportunity to urge the Federal Government to take more proactive measures towards the release of the leader of the indigenous people of Biafra (IPOB) Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. The present lipservice on the issue is seriously impeding security of lives and property in the entire South East region. Effective security and stability are necessary for socio-economic growth and development,” the Ohanaeze chieftain said.
Ogene called on the Southeast governors to synergize and collaborate more in putting effective security apparatus that will enhance efficiency and sustainability in crime fighting.
On the issue of replacing late Chief Iwuanyanwu as the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Ogene appealed to Ndigbo to allow Imo State complete their tenure by nominating the next President General of the organisation.
Okeke-Ogene further said: “We assure you that Ohanaeze Ndigbo is not relenting in protecting the collective interest of Ndigbo. I can assure you that Ohanaeze Ndigbo as an institution of repute remains intact as one indivisible entity with no leadership crisis. The leadership structure and processes of being elected into any position in all arms and organs of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo are clearly specified in Ohanaeze Ndigbo constitution.
“All leadership positions in every wing and organ of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo are zoned to states not individuals.
“Presently, the position of the President General is zoned to Imo State because the late Chief Iwuanyanwu did not complete his tenure. We are waiting for the Imo State Chapter of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo to elect or appoint a replacement for the Ime-Obi which is the highest decision making body of the socio-cultural group to consider and possibly approve it.”