The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Dr Polycarp Emeka Nwonyi has cautioned members of Ohanaeze Ndigbo to stay clear of Port Harcourt as the land belongs to Ikwerres.
The CP made this disclosure in a meeting with members of Iwhuruohna People’s Association (IPA) and Ohaneze Ndigbo as a result of the petition written by IPA to the Inspector-General of Police, copied to the CP and other security agencies, which took place yesterday in his office.
During the meeting, the delegation of IPA led by the President, High Chief Monday Wehere and Dr. William Wodi stated categorically that Ikwerre people are not Igbos, and that there is no “Igbo-speaking” part of Ikwerre land as claimed by the Ohaneze Ndigbo.
They maintained that Igbos have five state capitals and numerous other cities where the so-called “Igbo Day” can be used to honour their fallen heroes but their choice of Port Harcourt is aimed at causing the breakdown of law and order.
They also reminded the CP that the two factional leaderships are proposing the celebration at undisclosed venues in PH. The delegation of IPA pointed out that there is the likelihood that their undisclosed venues may clash with the venue for the “Ikwerre Martyrs’ Day” already scheduled for September 29th, 2023.
They concluded by saying that one of the reasons they are against them calling Ikwerre people Igbos and that Rivers State is not part of Igbo states is to stop them from extending their sit-at-home order to Rivers State.
Responding to their submission, the leader of Igbo Community in Rivers State, Barr. Emmanuel Ukala, who is also the Vice Chairman of Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Port Harcourt Branch, denied ever fixing Igbo Day Celebration in Port Harcourt.
He maintained that the celebration was fixed at Enugu and also disowned the statements credited to Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Chidi Ibe and Chief Uchenna Okokoba respectively. He also said that they are impostors and cannot speak for Igbo people.
At this point, members of IPA quickly presented the press release of both factions and affirmed that the said venue earlier scheduled to hold in Port Harcourt was shifted to Enugu because of the pressure of IPA on them.
After listening to both sides, the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Dr. Emeka Polycap Nwonyi advised members of Ohaneze Ndigbo to honour their heroes and do their celebration in their states and leave Port Harcourt if Ikwerre people decides not to join, saying that Port Harcourt is Ikwerre land and whoever that buys land here will not carry it to his or her hometown.
The case ended in favour of IPA, therefore, the Igbo Day Celebration is no longer holding in Port Harcourt.
Igwe Onyeche Wofurum
General Secretary
Iwhuruohna People’s Association (IPA).
