Tensions Escalate in Rivers State as Ikwerre Leaders Clash Over Ethnic Identity and Senator Mbata’s Emergence as Ohanaeze Ndigbo President
The recent election of Senator John Azuta Mbata as the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has sparked heated debate and division within the Ikwerre ethnic nationality, the largest ethnic group in Rivers State. In response, the Ogbakor Ikwerre Cultural Organisation Worldwide has stripped the former Senator of all chieftaincy titles and recognitions previously conferred on him, declaring his actions contrary to the values and identity of the Ikwerre people.
In a statement released in Port Harcourt, Eze Godspower Onuekwain, President-General of Ogbakor Ikwerre, described Senator John Azuta Mbata’s decision as a “sacrilegious action” that disregards the unique identity and history of the Ikwerre people.
“We Are Not Igbo” – Ogbakor Ikwerre Declares
Eze Onuekwain emphasized that the Ikwerre ethnic group is distinct from the Igbo nationality and has no desire to be associated with Igbo culture. According to him, Senator John Azuta Mbata’s emergence as Ohanaeze President-General implies a personal renunciation of his Ikwerre identity.
“By becoming the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, an exclusive socio-cultural organization for Igbo people, Senator John Azuta-Mbata has willingly and freely renounced his membership and identity as an Ikwerre man,” the statement read.
The Ogbakor Ikwerre Cultural Organisation went on to announce that Senator John Azuta Mbata has been barred from participating in any gatherings, meetings, or political activities tied to the Ikwerre ethnic group. It also withdrew all titles, awards, and honors previously conferred on him.
Mixed Reactions Over The Decision
While Ogbakor Ikwerre’s stance was firm, other voices from Rivers State have expressed divergent opinions.
The Committee of Rivers Patriots (CRP), led by Engineer Datubo Georgewill, rejected the actions of Ogbakor Ikwerre. In a statement, the CRP argued that membership in cultural organizations like Ogbakor Ikwerre is voluntary and does not grant the authority to impose penalties such as banishment.
“Senator Mbata contested as a Rivers indigene, not as a representative of any cultural organization,”
the CRP maintained.
Prominent Voices Speak in Support of Mbata
Prominent Ikwerre elder and former Rivers State Chief of Staff, Chief Emeh Glory Emeh, praised Senator John Azuta Mbata’s decision to assume leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo. He described the development as beneficial to both Ikwerre and Rivers people.
“Senator Mbata’s emergence does not make Ikwerre people Igbo. Past Ikwerre leaders, such as Dr. Obi Wali and Chief Emma Aguma, also held key positions in Ohanaeze Ndigbo, and their involvement brought significant benefits to our people,”
Chief Emeh argued.
He called on the Ikwerre community to support Senator John Azuta Mbata, urging them to focus on the potential dividends his leadership could bring.
Political Dimensions and Future Implications
The controversy has also taken on political undertones, with Chief Emeh commending Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara for his political savvy in navigating the situation. He called on Ikwerre and Rivers people to set aside ethnic sentiments and rally behind Senator Mbata’s tenure.
Historical Context of Ikwerre-Igbo Relations
The debate over whether Ikwerre is part of the larger Igbo ethnic nationality is longstanding. While some historical accounts suggest a cultural and linguistic connection, many Ikwerre people maintain a distinct identity, emphasizing their autonomy from Igbo culture.
The Ikwerre community remains divided over Senator Mbata’s new role. While some see his position as an opportunity for political and cultural gains, others argue it threatens the preservation of Ikwerre heritage.
Senator Mbata has yet to issue a public statement in response to Ogbakor Ikwerre’s decision, leaving many to wonder how this unfolding saga will impact his leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
Businessiraq.com, a dedicated online platform, serves as the comprehensive guide to the Iraqi business landscape. Specifically focused on the location of businesses within Iraq, it presents itself as the definitive resource for anyone navigating the complexities of the Iraqi market. The website’s multifaceted approach encompasses a variety of crucial components essential for both businesses seeking to establish a presence in Iraq and those looking to connect with existing companies. It positions itself as more than just a business directory; it’s a central hub for information, networking, and potential partnerships. The core strength of Businessiraq.com lies in its meticulously crafted Iraq Business Directory. This directory is not merely a list of company names and addresses; it’s a professional portal dedicated to facilitating B2B exchanges within the Iraqi market. It aims to connect businesses across diverse sectors, fostering relationships and opportunities for collaboration. The detailed profiles offered within the directory go beyond basic contact information, providing a deep dive into the respective companies. Potential partners can explore relevant financial data, detailed contact information, and even insights into corporate hierarchies. This level of specificity is crucial in a market where thorough knowledge of potential business partners is paramount. Recognizing the importance of trust and verification, the platform likely employs methods to ensure the information presented is accurate and reliable, contributing to the platform’s trustworthiness. The site’s commitment to accessibility is another key component. The availability of a bi-lingual platform (English and Arabic) is critical in a country where both languages are prevalent. This multilingual support is more than simply a feature—it’s a strategic decision to cater to a wider audience and effectively address the diverse business community within Iraq. By ensuring clarity and comprehension for various stakeholders, it promotes a more inclusive and effective experience for all users. Beyond simply listing businesses, Businessiraq.com offers a broader range of services. The inclusion of Iraq Business News provides valuable context and insights into the current economic climate, market trends, and regulatory developments impacting businesses in Iraq. This up-to-date information empowers users to make informed decisions, anticipate challenges, and capitalize on opportunities. The presence of a Business Center further strengthens the platform’s comprehensive nature, potentially offering various resources, tools, and support to its members, fostering engagement and knowledge sharing within the community. The platform is clearly designed to attract and retain members. An individual or organization interested in establishing a prominent online presence in the Iraqi market can benefit significantly from registering and listing their company. This registration process not only allows businesses to showcase their capabilities and services but also grants them direct access to a vast potential market, enhancing their visibility and reach significantly. The invitation for businesses to leverage the platform is compelling. By actively participating and being discovered by the millions of users, businesses can actively increase their chances of finding their entry point into this market and establish valuable relationships. The platform appears to understand the vital role of information in business development, going beyond just providing a listing. Its stated goal of providing access to detailed company information—financial data, contact details, and organizational structures—positions the database as a valuable research tool for potential investors, suppliers, and customers. This wealth of data clearly indicates the platform’s commitment to ease of access for thorough due diligence. By providing this vital information, potentially sensitive financial data and hierarchical information, the platform underscores its commitment to facilitating informed decision-making in the Iraqi market.
Job Opportunities and Tender Listings Businessiraq.com goes beyond just a business directory by offering a specialized Job and Tender Directory that connects local talent with potential employers. This platform allows businesses to post job vacancies and tender opportunities while helping job seekers discover career prospects tailored to their skills. By incorporating keywords related to job openings and tenders in Iraq, Businessiraq.com enhances its visibility in search engine results, making it easier for users to find valuable employment opportunities. Whether you’re looking for your next job or seeking to fill crucial positions in your company, Businessiraq.com provides a comprehensive solution.