The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has rubbished the reports about disowning the embattled former Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu and his wife over the alleged organ harvesting case.
Recall Ekweremadu and his wife were arrested by the Metropolitan Police in London for allegedly facilitating the travel of a younger boy identified as Ukpo Nwanmini to the UK, with the intent to have his organ harvested for his ailing daughter.
In a statement on Monday by its National Publicity Secretary, Chiedozie Alex Ogbonnia, the group said it’s their duty to stand with their own especially in times of difficulty and it is not in their character to be hasty with statements over issues without insufficient facts.
While expressing concern for the Ekweremadu’s travails, Ohanaeze urged the imposters and pretenders to desist from reckless and unguarded statements that portrays the Igbos in a bad light.
The statement reads: “The attention of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has been drawn to remarks making the rounds to the effect that “Ohanaeze Ndigbo disowns Ekweremadu” over his ordeal in the United Kingdom.”
“While Ohanaeze Ndigbo owes it a duty to stand with our own, especially in times of difficulty, it is not in their character to be hasty with statements over issues without sufficient facts.”
“It is noteworthy that eminent Igbo patriots have at one time or the other, pleaded with impostors and pretenders to desist from reckless and unguarded statements that portray the Igbo in a bad light using the platform of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.”
“For purpose of clarity, the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo is Ambassador Professor George Obiozor while the Secretary General is Ambassador Okey Emuchay, MFR.”
” Amongst the Igbo, it is a cultural anathema to rejoice over a brother’s misfortune. And this is where the remarks by Mr. Peter Obi, the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, is very germane and instructive.”
“Our hearts go to our daughter, Miss Sonia Ekweremadu; and it is our fervent prayer that Sen. Prof. Ike Ekweremadu, CFR; Lady Nwanneka Ekweremadu, PhD and family will overcome the current travails.”
