Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the esteemed apex socio-cultural organization representing the interests of the Igbo people, have addressed the recent incidents that transpired during the Lagos Stakeholders meeting on Sunday at Victoria Island, an event of profound importance concerning the nation’s infrastructure under the leadership of the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi.
The association in a statement signed by the Secretary General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, said the incident was orchestrated by the members of the opposition parties to tarnished the image of Ohanaeze.
The statement read: “It has come to our attention that videos portraying a disconcerting scene have been circulating on various online platforms. These videos depict an unfortunate attempt to undermine the Minister’s authority and public standing during the aforementioned meeting.
“Specifically, a woman, allegedly orchestrated by some unpatriotic elements, breached protocols to launch a verbal attack aimed at embarrassing Minister Umahi. This reprehensible act was curbed by vigilant security agents present at the event, thus thwarting what can be described as a blatant coup against the dignity of our esteemed Minister.
“We, at Ohanaeze Ndigbo, unequivocally denounce any and all forms of public humiliation directed towards Senator Umahi. As members of a civil society, it is paramount for us to uphold respect and decorum in our public discourse.
“We assert that the Igbo community, along with all other Nigerians, will not tolerate such open attacks or a calculated campaign of calumny against their leaders. The attempt to disrupt Senator Umahi’s ability to perform his constitutional duties under the guise of public protest is not only an affront to the Minister but to the ethos of democracy itself.
“Furthermore, our investigations have revealed that the claims made by the aforementioned woman, who claimed to be a former patroness of a political campaign organization, merit skepticism.
“Our intelligence gathering indicates that she is, in fact, affiliated with an opposition party that appears to be striving to derail the progress of the current administration through underhanded tactics. Such acts of political opportunism will not be tolerated, and all necessary measures will be enacted to safeguard the integrity and stability of political discourse.
“In light of these events, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has communicated our commitment to implementing proactive mechanisms aimed at deterring any entities with malign intentions from disrupting the essential work being conducted by Senator Umahi and his team.
“We commend the Minister for his outreach efforts, engaging various geopolitical zones in interactive sessions regarding vital infrastructure projects across the nation. Such initiatives underscore the importance of constructive dialogue and collaboration in addressing the pressing challenges facing our country today.
“It is crucial to underscore that in a democratic society, any grievances should be addressed through lawful and established channels. We implore all aggrieved parties to redirect their energies towards seeking judicial redress rather than resorting to disruptive antics which only serve to propagate division and chaos.
“In conclusion, Ohanaeze Ndigbo calls for unity, decorum, and respect amongst all political operatives in Nigeria. We stand resolute in our support of Senator Dave Umahi and his commitment to serving the nation. Any attempts to undermine his authority in public discourse will be met with significant opposition, not only from us but from all well-meaning Nigerians who believe in the sanctity of our institutions and the rule of law.
