Ohanaeze Ndigbo Warns Against Unlawful Constitution Amendment

In a stern message issued on Tuesday, the apex Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, vehemently cautioned against any illegal amendments to its constitution, asserting that those behind such actions would face public disgrace.

The organization expressed concern that these unauthorized alterations were specifically intended to obstruct the appointment of a President General from Rivers State in January 2025, alleging that it aimed to extend the tenure of certain dissenting elements within the group.

In an official statement released by Ohanaeze’s factional Secretary-General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, he highlighted that the proposed amendments directly contradicted Article 11(a) of the Constitution, which outlines the rotational office of the President General among the seven Igbo-speaking states. Isiguzoro emphasized that, according to the constitution, it is Rivers State’s rightful turn to assume the role by January 11, 2025.

Warning against the unconstitutional amendments, Isiguzoro called upon the college of Igbo bishops, global Igbo leaders, non-state actors, Ndigbo, and Igbo elders to unite in opposing these moves.

Isiguzoro stated, “Ndigbo warns the perpetrators that their efforts to amend the constitution illegally will be strongly resisted. These ill-fated actions will ultimately end up in futility and disgrace.”

He stressed that any attempt to impede the emergence of a President General from Rivers State would worsen the ongoing Igbo identity crisis, hindering the reorientation and rediscovery process of the Igbo people of Rivers State.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo underscored its commitment to the principles of fairness, justice, and adherence to its constitution.

The organization urged Southeast Governors, the College of Igbo Bishops, Global Igbo leaders, non-state actors, Ndigbo in the diaspora, and Igbo Elders to collaborate and thwart any attempts to disrupt the established electoral process.

The Ohanaeze Elders Council, led by Prince Richard Ozobu, has already given approval for Rivers State President General aspirants to begin consultations and campaigns across the seven Igbo-speaking states in preparation for the 2025 elections.