Ohanaeze dismisses alleged call to arms, demands probe
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide Rejects Misleading Claims of Call to Arms
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has rejected a viral social media post that falsely attributes a statement to its President-General, Senator Azuta Mbata, alleging he encouraged the Igbo community to arm themselves in anticipation of conflict.
The prominent Igbo socio-cultural organization labeled the report a dangerous fabrication intended to incite fear and violence. It has called for a thorough investigation into the origins of the post.
Dr. Ezechi Chukwu, the National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze, condemned the report as untrue. “Let it be stated clearly, categorically, and without any equivocation that Senator Azuta Mbata never made such statements, issued any call to arms, or authorized any such publication,” Chukwu asserted.
Chukwu characterized the narrative as reckless and criminal, warning that it was crafted to provoke unrest and misrepresent the Igbo community as advocates of lawlessness. He emphasized that Senator Mbata, a respected elder statesman, has always promoted peaceful dialogue, constitutionalism, and justice.
“By character, record, and conviction, Senator Azuta Mbata cannot be associated with calls for violence, illegal arms acquisition, or the breakdown of law and order,” he added.
Chukwu reaffirmed that Ohanaeze remains committed to peaceful coexistence and maintaining dialogue within Nigeria. “Neither the President-General nor Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide can be party to this violent propaganda,” he said.
The organization has urged relevant security agencies to promptly investigate the source of the fabricated post and hold those responsible accountable. Chukwu warned that such misinformation threatens public peace, national security, and inter-ethnic harmony.
He urged the public to disregard the misleading report, referring to it as a calculated attempt to undermine the leadership and integrity of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide. “The purveyors of this lie are enemies of Ndigbo and enemies of Nigeria,” he stated.
