Ohanaeze blames leadership crisis on Okorocha, Amechi

The apex Igbo socio cultural organisation , Ohanaeze Ndigbo
has accused former aviation minister in the first republic, Chief
Mbazuluike Amechi and Imo State governor, Chief Rochas
Okorocha of fueling the crisis rocking the leadership of the
organisation.
The President General of Ohanaeze, Chief Gary Igariwey who
disclosed this at a press conference in Enugu at the weekend
accused Chief Amechi of playing divisive role because of
issues relating to funding of the reparation committee which
he heads.
Igariwey said that Ohanaeze could not fund the committee to
the extent demanded by Amechi, noting that his committee
had even gone on fund drive but realised a little.
He said that Amechi accepted the extension of Ohanaeze
national officers term to four years during the time of the late
President General, Amb. Raph Uwechue.
He, therefore, said that for Amechi to now turn around to say
the tenure of office was two years was mischievous.
He also regretted that Okorocha chose to join forces with
Amechi to cause more confusion in Ohanaeze.
Igariwey insisted that there was no friction in the organisation,
stressing that only some individuals who felt they were not
getting enough money from him had gone to create trouble
with a view to fronting themselves for political relevance.
“What is happening in Ohanaeze is purely about money.
Certain persons want to negotiate on behalf of Ndigbo for
2015 general elections and not necessarily for the Igbo
interest but solely for their selfish interest,” he maintained.
Igariwey who dismissed the issue of tenure as basis for the
crisis denied receiving N5 billion as gratification to endorse
President Goodluck Jonathan for the presidential election.
He said that the allegation that they took bribe from the
presidency was baseless as their adoption of the incumbent
President was borne out of wide consultations with various
interest groups in Igbo land.
He noted that the interest of Ndigbo would be more protected
if President Jonathan was re-elected, adding that it is only
Jonathan that would implement the report of the national
constitutional conference that supported, among other things,
the creation of nine states in each of the six geo-political
zones in the country.
He, therefore, urged Ndigbo wherever they reside to be vigilant
before, during and after the forthcoming general elections,
pointing out that the county at the moment is sitting on a keg
of gunpowder.
“I have to be sincere with you, if Jonathan wins, there is likely
going to be trouble and if Buhari wins, there is also likely
going to be problem. So, what we should pray to God for now
is for Him to save us from this dangerous situation,” he said