Njiko Igbo Forum, an Igbo socio-political group, has expressed its dissatisfaction with the appointment of Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu as the new President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, News About Nigeria reports.
The group, which has been an affiliate of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide since 1999, stated that Iwuanyanwu is not qualified to hold that position and instead recommended Joe Nworgu, the former deputy secretary-general, as the most qualified candidate.
The former leader of the apex Igbo socio-cultural group, George Obiozor, passed away on January 9, 2023.
Following his demise, Ohanaeze Ndigbo appointed Iwuanyanwu as the new President-General.
However, Njiko Igbo Forum has refused to acknowledge the appointment, stating that the new leader is not qualified to hold that position.
In a statement signed by its president, Okechukwu Obioha, the group recommended Joe Nworgu, who was one of the contestants for the position. Nworgu, who holds a PhD from Cambridge, had previously served dutifully as the secretary-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and had been the deputy secretary-general for several years.
The statement read, “We so do recommend Joe Nworgu PhD (Cambridge) as suitably qualified to take up the mantle of the leadership, having served dutifully as secretary-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and previously for several years been the deputy secretary-general.”
Njiko Igbo Forum also made it clear that it would not recognize Iwuanyanwu as the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, despite his appointment.
The group added that it was certain other affiliate organizations of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide would also not recognize Iwuanyanwu.
It is unclear what actions Njiko Igbo Forum intends to take in response to the appointment of Iwuanyanwu as the new President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
However, the group’s rejection of the appointment could lead to further divisions within the Igbo socio-political sphere.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo is the apex Igbo socio-cultural group, representing the interests of the Igbo people in Nigeria and the diaspora.
The group is known for its advocacy for the political, economic, and social development of the Igbo people.
The appointment of the new President-General is expected to provide direction and leadership for the group’s activities.
However, the rejection of the appointment by Njiko Igbo Forum has raised concerns about the group’s unity and the effectiveness of its leadership.
