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By Amos Odhe, Yenagoa
The lingering crisis and fractionalization that has rocked the Bayelsa State chapter of Ohaneze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, and led to the cancellation of this year’s Igbo Day celebration, will not deter the unity and oneness among Igbos in the state.
Acting chairman of the Bayelsa chapter of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Remigius Ekwem, said to be recognized by the national headquarters of the apex body, made this known in Yenagoa recently.
He explained preparations were at top gear towards this year’s celebration with the Cultural Centre slated as the venue. But the SSA to the Bayelsa State governor on Non-Indigenes Affairs, Chief Onuma Johnson, reportedly made arrangements for the Banquet Hall, a separate venue, for the same celebration.
“And when the state government noticed this development, both factions, in presence of the state commissioner of police, CP Nebolisa Okolo, and the deputy governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, were asked to reconcile. But the other group led by Chief Onuma Johnson said they would not accept that and asked for the cancellation of the Igbo Day celebration.
“Chief Onuma Johnson went on air and social media to announce the cancellation and not the state government, and as law abiding citizen we had to comply to allow peace to reign.”
He said he regretted the cancellation, adding that much had been spent on logistics and accommodations for guests, especially those from the national headquarters of the apex body in Enugu.
“As I am talking to you we are trying to see how they can get back to their destinations. After that, both factions would go home and meet our fathers and reconcile our differences.”
Ekwem used the opportunity to appeal to all Igbos living in Bayelsa to shun any act that could breed disharmony among the Igbos, pointing out since the creation of the state, there have never been two venues for the Igbo Day celebration.
He used the opportunity to extend appreciation and commendation to the “Prosperity administration of the Bayelsa State governor, Senator Douye Diri, his workaholic deputy governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo and other stakeholders for creating the enabling environment for Igbos to do their various business that have contributed to the development of the state, and also for appointing Igbos into his government.”
According to him, Igbos will continue to support the Prosperity administration and urged all Igbos living in every part of the state to live in harmony with their host community.
Our correspondent reported that none of the stores owned by Igbos in Bayelsa were closed, but were open for business, while both venues, the Cultural Centre and Banquet Hall were empty, with chairs arranged and well decorated for a grandiose event.
All efforts made to speak to the SSA on Non-Indigenes Affairs, Chief Onuma Johnson proved abortive.
