The President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, has denied claims that the organization plans to visit other ethnic groups to beg for forgiveness over the 1966 coup d’etat.
He described the audio clip by Harford Ugwu and Obasi Igwe as “absolute falsehood, malicious, wicked, and dangerous.”
Addressing a world news conference in Owerri, Chief Iwuanyanwu stated that the retreat held for various committees of Ohanaeze Ndigbo was focused on industrialization, agriculture, health, education, and cultural development.
He expressed gratitude to Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, for sponsoring the retreat.
Chief Iwuanyanwu emphasized that the military should be held responsible for the 1966 coup, not the Igbo people.
He reiterated that Igboland did not have anything to do with the coup and that the coup plotters did not intend to elevate any Igbo man.
The President General also said he addressed the Peace and Reconciliation Committee set up by Ohanaeze Ndigbo, which aims to protect the interest of Ndigbo worldwide.
According to him, the committee, headed by Dr. Dominic Okechukwu, will identify and collaborate with Igbo interest groups, mainstream diverse Igbo elements, and restore confidence among Igbo youths.
Chief Iwuanyanwu advised families and communities to call their sons to order, as some individuals have made it impossible for past President Generals of Ohanaeze Ndigbo to succeed.
He assured the Igbo populace that he will never disappoint them and urged them not to be worried about the present falsehood and malicious propaganda.
The President General clarified that the Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo is Amb. Okey Emuchay, not Okey Isiguzo, who has been deceiving some elements and sponsoring opposition to destabilize Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
Chief Iwuanyanwu remarked that the activities of these groups will not deter him and his Executive from their transformative programs to uplift Igboland.
He said that the establishment of a relief agency will go a long way in assisting those whose properties were destroyed, the unemployed, and the indigent, so that no Igbo person will be seen to be jobless.
Chief Iwuanyanwu stated that Ohanaeze Ndigbo will continue to work towards the betterment of Igboland and will not be distracted by malicious propaganda.
He urged Ndigbo to remain united and focused on their goals.