The National Assistant Leader of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Worldwide, Ogbonnia Wenceslaus, has strongly condemned and distanced himself from the purported vote of no confidence reportedly passed on the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Azuta-Mbata, describing the development as false, misleading and capable of causing unnecessary division within the Igbo socio-cultural body.
Reacting to reports alleging that the Ohanaeze youth wing had rejected the leadership of Senator Azuta-Mbata over claims of uninspiring leadership, Ogbonnia maintained that no such resolution was ever reached by the authentic leadership structure of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Worldwide.
According to him, the statement credited to some individuals did not represent the collective position of the apex Igbo youth socio-cultural organisation and should be disregarded by the public.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Worldwide remains the apex global socio-cultural youth organisation of the Igbo race, known for maintaining peace, unity and advocating for the welfare and progress of Ndigbo across the world. At no time did the authentic leadership of the organisation pass any vote of no confidence on our President-General, Senator John Azuta-Mbata,” he stated.
Ogbonnia further clarified that his name was wrongly included among signatories to the controversial statement, stressing that he neither participated in nor authorised any meeting where such a decision was allegedly taken.
“I, Ogbonnia Wenceslaus, the National Assistant Leader of Ohanaeze Youth Worldwide, was not part of the people that signed this fake statement and there was never a time we passed a vote of no confidence on our President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Azuta-Mbata,” he declared.
In a strongly worded warning, the youth leader cautioned the National Publicity Secretary, Chika Art Adiele, against what he described as the dangerous practice of issuing statements in the names of leaders without their consent, warning that such actions could attract legal consequences if repeated.
He accused those behind the statement of attempting to create disaffection within the organisation and tarnish the image of the current leadership before the public.
“Chika Adiele should seriously desist from this wrong path of signing statements with people’s names without their approval or consent, or he will face the wrath of the law,” Ogbonnia warned.
The Assistant National Youth Leader also faulted the portion of the statement that attempted to predetermine the zoning arrangement for the next Ohanaeze youth leadership, insisting that such constitutional responsibilities rest solely with the National Executive Committee of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide under the leadership of Senator Azuta-Mbata.
According to him, no individual or group possesses the authority to arrogate such powers to themselves outside the established structure of the organisation.
“It is the constitutional duty of the National Executive Committee, ably led by Senator John Azuta-Mbata, to zone the leadership of the youth wing to any state they deem necessary. No group has the authority to impose such decisions on the organisation,” he stated.
Ogbonnia further argued that contrary to the allegations of poor leadership, Senator Azuta-Mbata has demonstrated commitment toward youth empowerment, educational advancement and the sustenance of Ohanaeze activities since assuming office.
He disclosed that the President-General has already initiated strategic plans aimed at empowering Igbo youths through digital and educational programmes, including ICT and coding training for over 200 Igbo youths across the South-East and beyond.
“We are fully aware of the plans of the President-General to train over 200 Igbo youths on ICT and coding. These are practical and future-driven empowerment programmes that will position our youths competitively in the digital economy,” he noted.
The youth leader also revealed that Senator Azuta-Mbata has concluded plans to introduce bursary support for students studying Igbo Language in various universities, describing the initiative as a major step toward preserving Igbo identity, culture and language.
He added that the President-General has continued to commit his personal resources toward sustaining the activities and operations of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, despite prevailing economic challenges.
“We are also aware of his plans to give bursary awards to students studying Igbo language in universities. Beyond that, we know how he has consistently invested his personal resources into the day-to-day running and activities of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide,” he added.
Ogbonnia therefore called on Igbo youths and the general public to disregard the purported vote of no confidence, insisting that the current leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide still enjoys the confidence and support of critical stakeholders within the organisation.
He urged members of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Worldwide to remain focused on promoting peace, unity and development within Alaigbo rather than allowing divisive interests to weaken the collective aspirations of the Igbo people.