September 30, (THEWILL) – Against the lingering crisis and factionalisation that has rocked the Ohaneze Ndigbo, the apex socio-cultural organisation worldwide in Bayelsa state. Reasons have been given why it did not hold this year in Bayelsa State, despite the elaboration and invited guests from far and near, but the cancellation will not in any way deter the unity and oneness among the Igbos in Bayelsa State.
The acting chairman of the affiliate Ohaneze in Bayelsa state, Chief Remigius Ekwem, the authentic group recognised by the Headquarters, Enugu, said preparations were at top gear towards this year’s celebration and the venue was the Cultural Centre, but suddenly, the SSA to the governor of Bayelsa state on Non-Indigenes Affairs, Chief Onuma Johnson, had arranged the Banquet Hall for it’s celebration and when the state government noticed this development both factions in presence of the state commissioner of police, Cp Nebolisa Okolo and the Deputy governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, were asked to reconcile, but the other group, led by Chief Onuma Johnson, said they would not accept that and asked for the cancellation. “Chief Onuma Johnson went on air and social media to announce the cancellation and not the state government, and as law abiding citizen we had to comply to allow peace to reign.”
He said he regretted the cancellation, because much has been spent on logistics and accommodations for guests, especially those from National Headquarters, Enugu, of the apex body. “As I’m talking to you we are trying to see how they can get back to their destinations, after that both factions would go home and meet our fathers and reconcile their differences.”
He used the opportunity to appeal to all Igbos living in Bayelsa to shun any act that would breed disharmony among the Igbos in Bayelsa as in the history of the creation of Bayelsa state, there has never been two venues for the Igbo Day celebration.
He further used the opportunity to extend their appreciation and Commendation to the prosperity administration to the Bayelsa state governor, Senator Douye Diri, his workaholic Deputy governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo and other stakeholders for creating the enabling environment for the Igbos to do their various businesses that have contributed to the development of the state and for appointing Igbos into his government.
According to him, the Igbos will continue to support the prosperity government and urged all Igbos living in every parts of the state to live in harmony with the host community.
Our Correspondent reported that none of the stores owned by the Igbos operating in Bayelsa were closed, but were all opened for business, while both venues, the Cultural Centre and Banquet Hall were empty halls with arranged chairs, well decorated for a grandiose event.
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