N5 Billion from Jonathan tears Ohanaeze apart not true, as Igariwey points blames on Ohaneze leadership crisis on Okorocha, Amechi

The apex Igbo socio cultural organisation , Ohanaeze Ndig­bo has denied that the N5 Billion received from President Goodluck Jonathan is tearing Ohaneze Ndigbo apart.

Ohaeneze Ndigbo accused former aviation minister in the first republic, Chief Mbazuluike Amechi and Imo State governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha of fueling the crisis rock­ing the leadership of the organization.

The President General of Ohanaeze, Chief Gary Ig­ariwey who disclosed this at a press conference in Enugu at the weekend accused Chief Amechi of playing di­visive role because of issues relating to funding of the reparation committee which he heads.

Igariwey said that Ohanaeze could not fund the committee to the extent demanded by Amechi, not­ing that his committee had even gone on fund drive but realised a little.

He said that Amechi ac­cepted the extension of Ohanaeze national officers term to four years during the time of the late President General, Amb. Raph Uwe­chue.

He, therefore, said that for Amechi to now turn around to say the tenure of office was two years was mischievous.

He also regretted that Okorocha chose to join forces with Amechi to cause more confusion in Ohanaeze.

Igariwey insisted that there was no friction in the organ­isation, stressing that only some individuals who felt they were not getting enough money from him had gone to create trouble with a view to fronting themselves for po­litical relevance.

“What is happening in Ohanaeze is purely about money. Certain persons want to negotiate on behalf of Ndigbo for 2015 general elections and not necessarily for the Igbo interest but solely for their selfish interest,” he maintained.

Igariwey who dismissed the issue of tenure as basis for the crisis denied receiving N5 billion as gratification to endorse President Goodluck Jonathan for the presidential election.

He said that the allegation that they took bribe from the presidency was baseless as their adoption of the incum­bent President was borne out of wide consultations with various interest groups in Igbo land.

He noted that the interest of Ndigbo would be more protected if President Jona­than was re-elected, adding that it is only Jonathan that would implement the report of the national constitutional conference that supported, among other things, the cre­ation of nine states in each of the six geo-political zones in the country.

He, therefore, urged Ndig­bo wherever they reside to be vigilant before, during and after the forthcoming general elections, pointing out that the county at the moment is sitting on a keg of gunpow­der.

“I have to be sincere with you, if Jonathan wins, there is likely going to be trouble and if Buhari wins, there is also likely going to be prob­lem. So, what we should pray to God for now is for Him to save us from this dangerous situation,” he said