Chief Dr. Jackson Omenazu Becomes First Rivers Igbo to Lead Ohanaeze Ndigbo

OHANAEZE NDIGBO PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OHANAEZE NDIGBO NEWLY ELECTED PRESIDENT GENERAL ACCEPTANCE AND INAUGURAL SPEECH OF CHIEF DR. JACKSON N. E OMENAZU ON SUNDAY, 5TH JANUARY 2025 AT ENUGU STATE

“I feel humbled and challenged to be elected as the President General by Ohanaeze National delegates this day, in accordance with the 2004 Ohanaeze Constitution. It is the rightful turn of indigenous Igbo of Rivers State. This is a historical event as all injustices meted against the indigenous Igbo of Rivers State have been reversed; we have recovered our Igbo National identity, as a bona fide indigene of Igbo of Rivers State has emerged as the newly elected President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo since the end of the Biafra war 55 years ago. Igbos in Rivers State are fully blooded Igbo; this is the end of politics of convenience regarding those at the fring of the Niger”

Esteemed members of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, distinguished delegates, and honorable guests:

Today marks a pivotal moment in the history of our great organization and the Igbo people as a whole. It is a day of profound significance, not just for myself as your newly elected President General, but also for the countless voices that have long been subdued and marginalized. I stand before you not merely as a leader but as a servant, custodian of our shared heritage, a torchbearer for our collective aspirations, and a champion for our indomitable spirit.

The cornerstone of this historic election is the affirmation of our rightful place within the narrative of the Igbo people. The selection of an indigenous Igbo from Rivers State as President General is not merely a token representation; it is a bold declaration that we have united with our people and rectified the historical injustices that have plagued us for generations. It is an emphatic statement that we are not defined by the politics of convenience but by our rich legacy and unwavering commitment to our ancestry.

As we navigate the complexities of the present, we must resolutely reject the attempts by desperate politicians to harness Ohanaeze for their narrow personal ambitions. The era of using our revered organization as a pawn in the political chess game is over. Ohanaeze Ndigbo is reaffirmed as the apex socio-cultural organization representing the entirety of the Igbo people—our focus shall pivot decisively toward issues that directly benefit our communities and enhance our collective progress.

Let me make it abundantly clear: while we welcome collaboration with our governors as imeobi members, we will not become subservient to their interests. Ohanaeze shall be funded by Igbo sons and daughters around the world, ensuring that we remain resolute in our mission to defend and promote the interests of the Igbo populace against the deceptions of any political elite.

Our immediate agenda, as the newly elected executive council, features a multi-faceted approach aimed at addressing the critical issues plaguing the Southeast. Chief among these is the urgent need to tackle insecurity—this will require concerted efforts alongside our friends and allies. We firmly stand for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, whose plight has become emblematic of our quest for justice and self-determination.
“No nation can claim to be democratic while harbouring prisoners of conscience”

We urge the government to recognize the importance of incorporating ethnicity and religion in the forthcoming 2025 census. Such representations are essential to rectifying historical misrepresentations and ensuring that our voices are heard in the administrative frameworks that govern our lives.

Moreover, we demand the demilitarization of the Southeast and the dismantling of unnecessary checkpoints that stifle movement and engender fear. Our homeland must be a sanctuary of peace, where the sanctity of life is upheld and the dignity of our people respected.

We assertively declare that the restructuring of Nigeria is vital for unlocking the latent potentials of our diverse geopolitical regions. In line with this, we call for a Sovereign National Conference to usher in a new Constitution that aptly reflect the aspirations and identities of all Nigerian ethnic groups that were criminally amalgamated by the evading colonists.

In pursuit of progress, we will vigorously advocate for the creation of additional new states within the 7 Ohanaeze states. Namely Anioma State, Aba State, Port Harcourt State. This initiative is not merely about administrative boundaries; it represents a deeper quest for representation, acknowledgment, and empowerment for our people.

“Where there’s economic justice, there’s social stability”

Let it be known that we are committed to establishing the AKU RUO ULO INDUSTRIAL BUSINESS HUB, a pivotal initiative aimed at fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and investment in Igbo land. This clarion call for the “Think Home Philosophy” speaks to our dedication to nurturing our local economy, stimulating growth, and ensuring that our people thrive in a sustainable environment.
Other essential committees that will be created for smooth running of our exclusive administration are,
Onyeahala Nwanneya Legal committee, Education Committee, M and E committee, Political assessment Committee, Security Committee and Diaspora assistance Committee.

Furthermore, I extend a message to President Tinubu: Engage with us to open the Eastern Economic corridors. It is imperative that we prioritize the dredging of Calabar Seaport, ensure full operation of Port Harcourt warf, the development of the Azumiri Deep Blue Sea Port, and the comprehensive reconstruction of the Aba-Maiduguri railway lines. We must also include interstate railway infrastructure linking critical sub-stations from Abakaliki to Owerri, Awka, and Onitsha, Enugu -Aba to Port Harcourt

In closing, I accept the monumental challenge before us to reposition Igboland to meet the expectations of millions of Igbos worldwide. This administration embraces collaboration with all stakeholders, including former contestants, reflecting a commitment to a unified vision for the restoration of confidence in Ohanaeze Ndigbo—an organization grounded in the history, aspirations, and resilience of our people.

Together, let us forge a path of progress, embrace our identity boldly, and embark on this journey toward a brighter future for the Igbo nation, unmarred by past grievances but inspired by the promise of unity, strength, and unprecedented achievement towards holistic Ohanaeze Renaissance.

Thank you, my brothers and sisters. Let us march forward, together, with purpose and pride.

*CHIEF Dr. Jackson N.E OmenazuFl IIMCA.*
The Newly Elected President General
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide