Ohanaeze Ndigbo, yesterday, blamed monetary consideration and lack of respect for constituted authority for the multiplicity of groups masquerading as the organisation and claiming to speak for the ethnic nationality.
Condemning the development, which it said has become embarrassing, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation vowed to address the situation and restore integrity of Ndigbo.
President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, who addressed reporters shortly after presiding over the first National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the body in Enugu, said it was worrisome to observe how certain individuals issue statements in the name of the organisation for pecuniary motive.
His words: “I want to tell you that it is an embarrassment, and whoever they are or whoever is using them, should stop in the interest of Ndigbo. Other parts of the country are worried about the way our people are talking here and there. If these things continue, I am afraid it will affect our collective desire as a people. Ohanaeze Ndigbo will take this up. We will do something to make our youths responsible. It worries me.
It is condemnable. It is part of the behaviour of our people. We have discussed this in this meeting and we have agreed to call those responsible to order. There is only one Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide being led by me, with Amb. Emuchay as Secretary General and Alex Ogbonnia as National Publicity Secretary. These are key officers.
“Our constitution is clear, and there is a youth wing. They are not supposed to do anything without the approval of the President General. We will not punish anybody for what happened in the past, but from today, they will learn to be obedient as a principle in life.”
Iwuanyanwu said the meeting reviewed various issues plaguing Ndigbo and resolved to work together and speak with one voice.
He stressed that the inability to get a sixth state for the South East was affecting the region’s development.
Admitting that internal wrangling over location had not helped matter, Iwuanyanwu, however, promised that efforts would be put in place to realise the dream under his watch.
