A former Governor of Imo State, Chief Ikedi Ohakim has refuted report linking him to moves in some quarters to install him as the next President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
Chief Ohakim said he does not have knowledge of any such moves or plans to elect or appoint him as the President-General of the organization.
According to him, no individual or group has contacted him, neither has he expressed interest in the position to anyone or anywhere.
In a statement he personally signed, the former governor disclosed that he had to clear the air in spite of the baseless and defamatory nature of the report.
The statement reads; “My attention has been drawn to a widely published media report linking me with a certain move in some quarters to install me as the next president-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide; and as a result of which I have been inundated with inquiries from well-meaning Nigerians seeking for clarification. Despite the report's baseless and defamatory nature, I am compelled to address this misinformation.
“Let me be clear: I have no knowledge of any plans to elect or appoint me as the next President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo. No individual or group has contacted me, neither have I expressed interest in the position.
“Our beloved leader, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, CFR, OFR, MFR, Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo, who headed the organization till July 25, 2024, when he passed away, is yet to be laid to rest. As a member of the national burial committee, I am committed to ensuring that he receives a befitting farewell. It is customary among our people to refrain from discussing succession until after the departed hero is buried.
“I urge those spreading this malicious and reckless disinformation and bringing up the politics of Ohaneze Ndigbo at this stage to desist from it and allow Ndigbo mourn and reflect on the late Ahaejiagamba's legacy, which brought peace and tranquility to our organization and Ala Igbo as a whole.
“I reiterate: I have no involvement in or interest in the Ohaneze Ndigbo presidency at this time”.
Recall that Chief Ohakim ruled Imo State between 2007 and 2011. Also, the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu died on July 25, 2024. His funeral ceremony has been slated for November 1 at his hometown Atta in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State.
Chief Iwuanyanwu succeeded Prof George Obiozor who also died in office.
