By Seun Opejobi The United Kingdom chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo has distanced itself from the recent comment by its chieftain, Prof. J...
By Seun Opejobi
The United Kingdom chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo has distanced
itself from the recent comment by its chieftain, Prof. Joe Ukamenem, regarding
Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.
Ukemenam had claimed that Kanu’s house in the UK was worth
£10 million.
He was quoted in an interview with Sun Newspapers as saying
that Kanu had no traceable business, adding that there is no evidence of tax
returns or national insurance contributions on the part of the IPOB leader.
But, Uche Osuigwe, the Secretary-General Ohanaeze in the UK,
said the body played no role in the interview.
Osuigwe disclosed this in a letter to Kanu’s Special
Counsel, Aloy Ejimakor.
The letter reads: “Per our discussion of the
above-referenced matter, please see attached copies of the suspension letter
served to Prof Joe Ukemenam by Ohanaeze Ndigbo UK and the general disclaimer
issued by Ohanaeze Ndigbo Uk on the matter. By the letter, Ohanaeze Ndigbo UK
totally disclaims any role in the said interview and any allegations or
references made therein.
“But even as Ohanaeze Ndigbo UK played no role whatsoever in
such an interview, we have taken it upon ourselves to disclaim it and extend
our sincerest apologies to whosoever the interview offends.
“Please extend our warm greetings to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu
(OHAMADIKE NDIGBO) and assure him of our abiding respects and high regards for
his person. Please accept the assurance of our highest esteem.”
Meanwhile, the UK chapter of Ohanaeze has suspended Ukemenam
following the allegation.
Ohanaeze said Ukemenam’s suspension would give way for an
investigation.
Ukemenam was suspended during an extra-ordinary meeting
emergency meeting yesterday.
His suspension was disclosed in a statement signed by
Kingsley Offor, Deputy President; Charles Nwaogwugwu, Deputy President
Publicity Secretary; and Chief Uche Osuigwe, Secretary General.
The statement reads: “Immediate suspension pending the
outcome of the investigation of serious misconduct
“I am writing to inform you that the Executive Council of
Ohanaeze Ndigbo UK held an extraordinary emergency meeting on 21st August 2022.
“The meeting was to discuss the alleged interview you
granted to Sun news online, which was published on the 20th of August 2022.
“In order to mitigate the damage caused by this interview of
yours and to allow for proper investigation, the Executive council resolved to
suspend you indefinitely as the President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo UK pending the
outcome of the investigation and further deliberation by the General Assembly. The
Executive council resolution has been ratified by Imeobi in council in an
emergency joint meeting held today, 21st August 2022, with the Executive
council.
“In the meantime, the Deputy President will continue to act
in the capacity of the President pending the conclusion of deliberations on
this matter.”
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