From Magnus Eze, Enugu
Ohanaeze Ndigbo has dispelled insinuation that it said the suspension of the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, was ethnic cleansing.
It stated that the publication, which purportedly emanated from one “Mazi Chima Uzor, who claimed to be the Director, National Interest Matters in Ohanaeze Ndigbo,” was false in its entirety.
A statement by President General of the apex Igbo organisation, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, noted that Uzor was not only an impersonator, but unknown to Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
He said there was no office for National Interest Matters in Ohanaeze Ndigbo, stating that the body had no intention, whatsoever, to interfere with investigations by the Department of State Services (DSS) or other security agents of the country concerning the embattled CBN governor.
“Ohanaeze also has no intention, whatsoever, to interfere with the disciplinary actions by the government on officials of the government. Individuals have a right to go to court and when the court of law proves the individual’s innocence, and Ohanaeze is convinced that the individual is innocent, Ohanaeze will take every step necessary to assist the individual.
On the other hand, if the individual is guilty, the Ohanaeze will be unable to assist.
“The case of Mazi Chima Uzor is a matter of criminal impersonation. By this disclaimer, we are requesting the security agents to treat this matter as a very serious crime case. We wish, finally, to alert the public on many fraudsters who are tarnishing the good name and reputation of Ohanaeze Ndigbo by making false publications in the name of Ohanaeze Ndigbo for selfish interests. We hope, with the help of security agents, they will soon be flushed out,” Iwuanyanwu stated.
The new President General of Ohanaeze has repeatedly warned those pretending to be acting for the Igbo group to desist from such ignoble acts. In his maiden press conference as PG, in Enugu, on May 1, the elder statesman explained that people were free to form associations and register with Ohanaeze, but no group has the right to add Ohanaeze to its name.
“Every time you open pages of paper, you will see Ohanaeze has said this, at times it becomes contradictory. It is a very big concern to anyone who loves Igbo land. I start to think that these things are done for monetary consideration. Enemies of Igbo use those who are vulnerable to financial inducement. We have talked about it, and we have made it clear that nobody, apart from members of NEC, can talk only on issues that have been discussed,” he said.