Abia North Senatorial Poll: Ohanaeze Denies Endorsing Orji Kalu’s Ambition

Posted by African Examiner Latest Headlines, News Sunday, February 14th, 2016

By Ignatius Okpara, Enugu

The Igbo umbrella body, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has denied endorsing the senatorial ambition of a former Abia state Governor,chief Orji Uzor Kalu.

A statement signed by its Secretary General, Dr. Joe Nwaorgu, on Sunday described as untrue a recent article in one of the Nigerian dailies which claimed that it had endorsed the ex-governor in his ambition for the Abia North Senatorial District election.

Nwaorgu, said: “Our statement here is as a result of the gush of protests by knowledgeable and bona fide members of Ime-Obi Ohanaeze, (caucus) and other distinguished Igbo sons and daughters as to the bemeaning of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, which we, as current national executive members, are on oath to defend and protect from bastardisation.

“The said article offends Ndigbo, who collectively own Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

“For the uninformed, including the reported author of the statement quoted, Ohanaeze does not involve itself in partisan politics concerning or between Ndigbo and Ndigbo at all levels as the contestants are all members of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

It added that “Ohanaeze does not take sides, it is recklessness for any individual to claim he speaks for Ohanaeze on any issue, as only the President General and the Secretary General or, when delegated, the Publicity Secretary can speak for Ohanaeze as per the Ohanaeze constitution.”