February 08, (THEWILL) — The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has disowned a viral social media report alleging that its President General, John Azuta-Mbata, called on Ndigbo and other Nigerians to arm themselves in anticipation of a looming war, describing the claim as false, dangerous and deliberately provocative.
In a statement signed on Saturday by its National Publicity Secretary, Ezechi Chukwu, Ohanaeze said the report, which circulated widely under a sensational “Breaking” headline, was a complete fabrication that did not emanate from the organisation or any of its recognised communication channels.
According to the statement, the fake report fraudulently claimed that Azuta-Mbata issued an “urgent call to arms”, allegedly urging Igbo men from the age of 18 to acquire weapons, whether foreign or locally made, because an imminent war was approaching.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has noted with grave concern a false, malicious and incendiary story currently being circulated on social media platforms, falsely attributed to the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide”, the statement said.
The organisation categorically denied that Azuta-Mbata ever made such statements, stressing that he neither authorised nor endorsed any call for violence or illegal acquisition of arms. It described the publication as reckless, criminal and capable of inciting fear, provoking violence and portraying Ndigbo as promoters of lawlessness.
Ohanaeze noted that Azuta-Mbata is a respected elder statesman, an esteemed leader of the Igbo nation and a committed nationalist whose engagements have always been anchored on peaceful advocacy, constitutionalism, justice and fairness.
“He cannot, by character, record or conviction, be associated with calls for violence, illegal arms acquisition or the breakdown of law and order”, the statement emphasised.
Reaffirming its position as a responsible socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze said it remains committed to dialogue, unity and peaceful coexistence within Nigeria, adding that neither the President General nor the organisation could be part of any agenda aimed at destabilising the polity.
The group urged relevant security agencies to urgently trace, identify and prosecute the author or authors of the false publication, warning that such actions pose a grave threat to public peace, national security and inter-ethnic harmony.
Ohanaeze also called on members of the public to completely disregard the viral claim, describing it as a dangerous fabrication designed to malign the leadership and corporate integrity of the organisation.
“The purveyors of this lie are enemies of Ndigbo and enemies of Nigeria”, it added.
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