The President General of the Igbo Community Association (ICA) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Engr. Ikenna Ellis Ezenekwe, has called on the Ikwere people of Rivers State to unite behind the newly-elected Ohanaeze Ndigbo President General, Senator Azuta-Mbata.
In a statement issued to JOINTEARN on Monday, Ezenekwe commended the Ohanaeze Ndigbo for holding an election that represented the unity of the Igbo people. His comments come amid growing unrest in Ikwere following Azuta-Mbata’s appointment, with some locals criticizing him for accepting the position.
Ezenekwe used the opportunity to address the rising tensions, urging against division within the Igbo community. He encouraged the Ikwere people to promote peace and cooperation for the sake of the new Ohanaeze leader.
“Ikwere is Igbo. It has always been Igbo and will remain Igbo. We speak the same language and are united,” Ezenekwe affirmed, stressing the importance of solidarity among all Igbo-speaking groups.
On the election result, Ezenekwe expressed pride in the outcome, saying, “We, the Ndi Igbo in Abuja, are extremely pleased with the Ohanaeze Ndigbo election results. It shows that we are united, and no matter where we are—be it in Rivers, Delta, Imo, Ebonyi, Abia, Enugu, or Anambra—we remain one Igbo family.”
Reflecting on the history of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Ezenekwe traced its origins to the 1930s when it was first known as the Lagos Igbo Union, and later transformed into the Igbo State Union in 1948, with Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe as its first President General. The organization was renamed Ohanaeze Ndigbo in 1979 under the leadership of Dr. Francis Akanu from Afikpo, Ebonyi State.
Ezenekwe emphasized that Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s legacy is rooted in unity, resilience, and a commitment to advancing the Igbo people’s cause. As the new leader takes office, he acknowledged the importance of addressing the challenges ahead and advancing the interests of the global Igbo community.
He reiterated the full support of the Igbo Community Association in Abuja for the new Ohanaeze leadership, noting the association’s strategic role with over 78 grassroots units across the FCT to aid the administration’s efforts.
“As President General of Ndigbo in the FCT under ICA, I and the ICA are committed to supporting the new Ohanaeze leadership. We will leverage our grassroots strength to back the leadership, as unity remains crucial in overcoming the challenges faced by the Igbo people,” Ezenekwe concluded.
