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Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has publicly debunked a viral social media post falsely attributed to its President-General, Senator Azuta Mbata, which alleged that he called on Ndigbo to arm themselves in anticipation of an imminent war.
The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation described the report as a dangerous fabrication deliberately crafted to incite fear and violence, and called for a comprehensive investigation into the matter.
Reacting to the development, the National Publicity Secretary of the organisation, Dr. Ezechi Chukwu, dismissed the report as a complete falsehood.
“Let it be stated clearly, categorically, and without any equivocation that Senator Azuta Mbata, President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, never made such infernal statements, never issued any call to arms, and never authorised any such publication,” Chukwu said.
He described the narrative as reckless, dangerous, and criminal, warning that it was deliberately designed to provoke violence, instil fear, and falsely portray Ndigbo as promoters of lawlessness.
According to him, Senator Mbata is a respected elder statesman whose leadership and advocacy have consistently been rooted in peaceful engagement, constitutionalism, justice, and fairness.
“By character, record, and conviction, Senator Azuta Mbata cannot be associated with calls for violence, illegal arms acquisition, or the breakdown of law and order,” he added.
Reaffirming the group’s long-standing stance, Chukwu maintained that Ohanaeze remains a responsible socio-cultural organisation committed to dialogue, unity, and peaceful coexistence within Nigeria.
Read Also: Ekweremadu: Ohanaeze Youths Laud Tinubu Govt’s Intervention
“Neither the President-General nor Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide can be a party to this violent propaganda and deliberate falsehood aimed at destabilising the polity,” he further said.
Ohanaeze also called on relevant security agencies to urgently investigate the source of the fabricated post and prosecute those responsible, warning that such actions pose a serious threat to public peace, national security, and inter-ethnic harmony.
Chukwu urged members of the public to completely disregard the fake story, describing it as a calculated attempt to malign the leadership and integrity of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
“The purveyors of this lie are enemies of Ndigbo and enemies of Nigeria,” he said.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has urged President Bola Tinubu to remain vigilant amid what it described as renewed political manoeuvres by opposition elements following the resignation of former Minister of Defence, Alhaji Badaru Abubakar.
In a statement jointly signed by its Deputy President General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and National Spokesman, Chief Chinenyeze Ohia, the organisation said it felt compelled to caution the President about what it termed “a strategic political pattern reminiscent of the 2015 tactics deployed against former President Goodluck Jonathan.”
Ohanaeze alleged that certain opposition figures were attempting to revive political strategies similar to those used during the 2015 election cycle, including the exploitation of security challenges and coordinated media pressure aimed at weakening the sitting government. It claimed that developments in Kebbi State had been politicised and that recent successful military operations led by Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, had disrupted criminal networks, prompting what it described as renewed hostility from political rivals.
The group warned that it had observed the deployment of “media propaganda, fabricated narratives and distortions” allegedly aimed at eroding the President’s northern political base and weakening key allies in his administration. It identified Matawalle as a major target within this purported campaign, describing him as a strong pillar of support for Tinubu, particularly due to his role in coordinated anti-banditry operations.
Ohanaeze also dismissed circulating claims suggesting that the United States had demanded the removal of former Defence Minister Badaru and Matawalle as conditions for deeper military cooperation. The organisation described the allegations as unfounded and insisted that Nigeria’s domestic security decisions were not dictated by foreign governments. It reiterated that Badaru’s resignation, as stated by the former minister, was based solely on personal medical reasons.
The sociocultural group urged political actors to refrain from drawing Matawalle into what it called “unnecessary political theatrics,” noting his continued focus on supporting the federal government’s fight against terrorism and banditry in the North.
Ohanaeze commended the collaboration between National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and Matawalle, especially in safeguarding the lives and businesses of Igbo residents across the 19 northern states. It encouraged President Tinubu to strengthen his support for the Ribadu–Matawalle partnership and for the military service chiefs to consolidate gains in the fight against insecurity.
The organisation called on Nigerians to stand firm behind the President’s security reforms, stressing that national unity and collective resolve were vital to overcoming the country’s current challenges.
Youth wing of apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has described the recent effort of the Nigerian Government towards the release of former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu as heart warming.
National President of the organisation, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike spoke through a statement he made available to journalists on Thursday in Enugu.
Okwu recalled that the Ohanaeze youths pushed severally to secure the attention of then former president, late Muhammadu Buhari for the same purpose, but the government was not interested.
He said it was a thing of delight that President Bola Tinubu’s government has moved towards facilitating the return of Ekweremadu to Nigeria.
