An Ikwerre man, Barr. Uche Nnam Okwukwu has emerged as the President General of Ohanaeze N’digbo Worldwide, 9News Nigeria reports.
Okwukwu, a renowned activist lawyer, was returned unopposed at the organisation’s convention in Port-Harcourt. He emerged as the consensus candidate among more than four aspirants who sought to lead the Igbo socio-cultural organisation.
In his acceptance speech, Okwukwu thanked the delegates and humbly accepted the enormous responsibility imposed on him to lead the Igbo race. He outlined his top priorities, which include engaging the Federal Government on the unconditional release of the leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) and restructuring Nigeria.
“We shall encourage the Federal and State governments to engage all agitators to address grievances so as to bring a just closure to issues,” Okwukwu said.
Okwukwu also promised to unite the Igbo people and bring them together as one indivisible family. He pledged to defend the Igbo nation and live up to the high expectations of the people.
“I will work for the creation of the Anioma State as an equalization state for the Igbo, and for additional Aba, Adada, Etiti, Orlu or other states in case the balance is further disrupted,” he added.
Bar. Uche Okwukwu’s emergence is seen not only as a significant milestone for the Ikwerre people but also as a step toward unifying Ndigbo worldwide. His leadership is expected to address lingering divisions, especially concerning the Ikwerre people, who registered as a separate ethnic group in Nigeria after the civil war, citing alleged maltreatment by the Igbo hinterland during that period.
Over the years, many Ikwerre people have agitated for reintegration of Ikwere to the Igbo nation, emphasizing their historical and cultural ties. With Bar. Uche Okwukwu at the helm of Ohaneze Ndigbo, this election is poised to play a pivotal role in fostering unity among Ndigbo globally, especially for those in the South-South region and the northern parts of Nigeria.
This development marks a turning point in the leadership history of Ohaneze Ndigbo, with high hopes that his tenure will strengthen the bonds among all Igbo-speaking communities and solidify their shared identity as one people.
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