By Our Correspondent
Tension has risen in the Igbo community as the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has recognized Uche Okwukwu as the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide, contrary to the endorsement of Senator John Azuta-Mbata by the seven governors and others within the catchment area of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
In a statement signed by IPOB’s media and publicity secretary, Emma Powerful, the group warned Igbo governors not to subvert the will of the people, emphasizing that Uche Okwukwu is the duly elected Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide President General.
This development has created a rift, as President Ahmed Bola Tinubu has already congratulated Senator John Azuta-Mbata on his election as President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
IPOB’s endorsement of Uche Okwukwu has been seen as a challenge to the authority of the elected governors and the President’s congratulatory message.
The IPOB statement accused the South-East governors of demonstrating “utter disdain and disrespect” for the wishes of the majority of Igbos worldwide.
The group also warned that if the governors fail to recognize Uche Okwukwu as the legitimate leader, IPOB will take action to ensure that none of them will be reelected or occupy any position of influence in the future.
The Ohanaeze Ndigbo election has been marred by controversy, with reports of factionalization and disagreements among the Igbo leaders.
The emergence of two presidents, Uche Okwukwu and Senator John Azuta-Mbata, has created uncertainty and raised concerns about the future of the organization.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the Igbo community and the Nigerian government will respond to the crisis.
One thing is clear, however: the IPOB’s endorsement of Uche Okwukwu has added a new layer of complexity to the already contentious Ohanaeze Ndigbo election.
