The leadership of the pan-Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has denied receiving N5 billion as gratification to endorse President Goodluck Jonathan for the rescheduled presidential election.
Addressing a press conference in Enugu at the weekend, the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Gary Enwo-Igariwey, said the allegation that they received bribe from the presidency was baseless.
Igariwey noted that the interest of Ndigbo would be more protected if President Jonathan was reelected, adding that it was only Jonathan that would implement the report of the national conference that supported, among other things, the creation of nine states in each of the six geo-political zones in the country.
He further argued that only Jonathan, who is the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, would address the issue of imbalance in the political structure in the country.
Igariwey, therefore, called on Ndigbo wherever they reside to be vigilant before, during and after the forthcoming general elections.
“I have to be sincere with you, if Jonathan wins, there is likely going to be trouble and if Buhari wins, there is also likely going to be problem. So, what we should pray to God for now is for Him to save us from this dangerous situation”, he added.
On the internal crisis rocking the organization, Igariwey said there was no friction whatsoever, adding, however, that some individuals who felt they were not getting enough money from him, had gone to create trouble.
“What is happening in Ohanaeze is purely money. Certain persons want to negotiate on behalf of Ndigbo for 2015 general elections not necessarily for Igbos interest but solely for their selfish interest”, he added
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