The Rivers State chapter of Ohaneze Ndi-Igbo Worldwide has cautioned against any attempt to sideline Igbo people from the political and economic affairs of the state.
The group’s state president, Livingstone Wechie, issued the warning in a statement marking the World Igbo Adoration and Thanksgiving Day, stressing that the Igbo community represents a significant voting bloc and a major driver of the state’s economy.
He said isolating Ndi-Igbo from governance or economic participation would be counterproductive, noting that the community plays a strategic role in the development of Rivers State.
According to him, Igbos constitute one of the largest voting blocs in the state and dominate key sectors of its economic life.
“We caution against any orientation that seeks to isolate Ndi-Igbo from the politics or economy of Rivers State. It is not in dispute that Igbos have the largest voting bloc in the state and contribute significantly to its economic lifeline,” Wechie said.
He added that honouring the sacrifices of those affected by the civil war requires leveraging the community’s entrepreneurial strength and population to positively influence politics.
Wechie urged Igbo residents to rethink their political engagement, saying the group has the capacity to attain greater political relevance and leadership positions across the country.
He also encouraged Ndi-Igbo to take advantage of the current business climate in Rivers to reposition themselves and contribute more meaningfully to national development.
Describing the “Igbo question” as an unresolved issue in Nigeria’s political history, Wechie called for greater inclusion and purposeful engagement of the ethnic group by governments at all levels.
He emphasised that the global spread of Igbos, shaped by historical events, should be seen as a strength rather than a disadvantage.
Appealing for peace and stability in Rivers State, the Ohaneze leader described the state as a safe haven for Igbo investments and pledged the community’s continued support for its growth.
“We invite Ndi-Igbo across the world to invest heavily in Rivers State and assure the government of our full support for the development of the state,” he said.
