The apex Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has dissociated itself from the agitation by Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, for the release of his Certificate of Return by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Ohanaeze said it always speaks out on matters concerning Ndigbo generally, stressing that it will not allow itself to be dragged into partisan politics concerning individuals.
The apex Igbo body was reacting to a statement by the President of its FCT chapter, Chief Odozi Nwodozi calling for the release of Certificate of Return to Okorocha as senator-elect for Imo West District.
Recall that INEC refused to issue Okorocha the post-election certificate, citing controversies in the election through which he emerged senator elect in the state.
According to a statement on Thursday by Emeka Attamah, the special adviser on media and publicity to Ohanaeze President-General, Chief John Nnia Nwodo, the pan-Igbo cultural organisation said “it will always speak out on matters concerning Ndigbo generally, it will not allow itself to be dragged into partisan politics concerning individuals.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo frowns seriously at the tendency of some of its officials or mischievous elements using the name of the body to issue unwarranted statements purporting them to emerge from the apex Igbo Cultural organisation.
“Let it be known that any statement not emanating from the President General, the National Publicity Secretary, his Deputy or the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President General of the organisation on should not be countenanced by the press or the public.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo is at the moment looking into a statement credited to its Lagos State Chapter President and will not hesitate to discipline any State President or official who issues any statement without authorisation,” the apex Igbo body said.
