latest
FG, Ohanaeze Crack Down On ‘Eze Ndigbo’ Coronations Abroad
The Federal Government has condemned the growing practice of installing “Eze Ndigbo” traditional leaders in foreign countries, warning that it is creating diplomatic tensions and placing Nigeria in an uncomfortable position on the global stage.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The government’s position was conveyed in a statement issued on Thursday by the Special Assistant on Communication and New Media to the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Magnus Eze.
It added that ongoing consultations are being held with Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and the South East Council of Traditional Rulers to discourage and ultimately stop the establishment of such titles outside Igboland.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, also expressed concern during a meeting of the Imeobi, the highest decision-making body of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, held in Enugu.
She noted that while Igbo communities in the diaspora are free to celebrate and promote their culture, the creation of traditional rulership structures abroad has triggered disputes within host communities and strained relations with local authorities.
According to her, cultural identity can still be preserved without adopting practices that may be viewed as a challenge to existing local systems or that could lead to unrest.
She further warned that the trend has attracted negative attention to both Nigeria and the Igbo community in several countries.
Her remarks follow recent unrest in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, where the installation of an Igbo leader as Eze Ndigbo in East London sparked tensions.
The incident reportedly led to protests by local groups and traditional leaders, which escalated into violence, property damage, and clashes with security agencies.
South African authorities, including the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, were said to have declared the coronation unlawful, while traditional institutions described it as inconsistent with their customs.
The Minister also disclosed that Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has begun diplomatic engagements aimed at preventing further escalation and managing the fallout.
She added that Nigeria’s diplomatic mission in South Africa had clarified that the installation was purely cultural and did not constitute an officially recognised traditional authority.
Following the developments, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, in collaboration with South-East traditional rulers, has moved to discontinue recognition of Eze Ndigbo titles outside Igboland.
The President-General of the group, Senator Azuta Mbata, stated that such titles would no longer be acknowledged and that governments and diplomatic missions worldwide would be formally informed.
He added that anyone who assumes such a title abroad would not be recognised by the wider Igbo community, with enforcement to be carried out through existing local structures.
The Federal Government also pledged to support the dissemination of the directive through its embassies and foreign missions to prevent further misunderstandings and conflicts abroad.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has revealed that his push for an opposition coalition was initially rejected by members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Atiku made the disclosure during an interview on Arise Television on Wednesday, where he reflected on events following the PDP’s defeat in the 2023 presidential election. According to him, he warned party leaders after the election that the PDP could struggle politically without forming alliances with other opposition forces. “To be honest, I was one of the major initiators of this coalition. After the PDP lost the last election, I told the party clearly that I did not see a future for the PDP without a coalition,” he said. Atiku said his advice was rejected at the time, despite his conviction that Nigeria’s political history had shown the importance of alliances. “They disagreed with me then. I have studied Nigeria’s political transition over the years and saw how previous alliances worked, so it was not difficult for me to foresee this,” he stated. The former vice president added that his support for coalition politics was also influenced by his desire to encourage the emergence of younger leaders he believes are vital to Nigeria’s future. “I saw some of these younger politicians as the future leaders of this country, and I felt it was my duty to point that out,” he said. However, Atiku claimed the resistance he encountered within the party was driven more by personal feelings than by disagreement over the substance of his proposal. “They disagreed with me simply because they did not want to see my face, not because of what I was suggesting,” he said. Atiku added that recent political developments have now vindicated his position on the need for a broad opposition alliance ahead of future elections.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said the African Democratic Congress (ADC) will first pursue a consensus arrangement before considering a primary election for its 2027 presidential ticket.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Atiku made this known during an interview on Arise Television on Wednesday while discussing the party’s leadership and strategy ahead of the next general election.
He said he is open to backing a consensus candidate if that becomes the party’s collective decision, stressing that such support should not be interpreted as stepping aside.
“It is not about stepping aside, but whether I am willing to support, and yes, I will,” Atiku said.
According to him, the ADC’s first priority is to build internal unity and reach an agreement among stakeholders before considering a competitive primary process.
“Our first option will be to work out a consensus. If that doesn’t happen, then of course we will explore other options. And yes, I will support whoever eventually emerges,” he stated.
Atiku also expressed confidence in the political experience within the party, saying he believes a consensus is achievable and may make a full-scale primary contest unnecessary.
“That remains our preferred path. We will go for primaries if consensus fails, but I honestly do not expect it to get to that stage because we are dealing with mature and experienced politicians,” he added.
His comments come amid growing political consultations and coalition talks as parties begin to position themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said the opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has significantly strengthened his chances of winning the 2027 presidential election.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Atiku made the remarks during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on Wednesday. Speaking on what makes his latest presidential bid different from previous attempts, Atiku said the ADC coalition brings together key political figures from across major parties, including the APC, PDP and Labour Party. He described the alliance as a broader and more strategic political arrangement ahead of the 2027 general elections. According to him, the coalition has created a stronger platform that improves his prospects. “Now, we have a broader coalition — a combination of APC, PDP and LP — which gives me a better chance of becoming president in 2027,” he said. Atiku also noted that the coalition reflects both experience and generational inclusion, which he said shows a clear succession plan. “You see people of my generation, and you see younger people coming behind us, so you can clearly see a succession pattern,” he added. Meanwhile, Atiku described former President Goodluck Jonathan as a decent but inexperienced leader. According to him, Jonathan’s lack of experience contributed to shortcomings in governance and played a role in his defeat in the 2015 presidential election. “I know Goodluck Jonathan very well. He is a decent young man, but he was also inexperienced, and that contributed to his failure in managing the affairs of the country,” Atiku said. He made the remarks while stressing the need for experienced and capable leadership in Nigeria.
-
latest8 months ago“Social Media Erupts As Jim Iyke Declares Rita Dominic Nollywood’s Most Beautiful”
-
latest2 years agoEdo Political Showdown: Oshiomhole Appears At Presidential Villa As Tinubu Hands APC Gubernatorial Flag To Okpebholo (Photos & Video)
-
entertainment2 years agoLove Knows No Age American Woman Defends Marriage To Young Nigerian Man “I’m Not 70”
-
latest2 years agoOlumide Akpata Strikes Again: Drops Killer Track, Sends Edo State Into Frenzy!(Video)
-
Politics2 years agoNigerians React As Pastor Adeboye Foresees Passing Away On A Sunday After Enjoying A Satisfying Meal Of Pounded Yam
-
latest2 years agoFG Identifies 31 States At Risk Of Heavy Flooding In 2024: See Full List
-
Politics2 years agoBREAKING: Inspector-General Of Police Summons Top Police Commanders For Crucial-Security Challenges
-
latest2 years ago5 NYSC Corpers Perish In Fatal Road Accident Returning From Camp