The Association of Igbo Residents in Rivers State has disowned reports claiming that Ndigbo in the state has endorsed a governorship candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The association’s clarification followed a media report alleging that members of the Igbo community had commenced legal action against some individuals accused of preventing them from mobilising support for the All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate, Ogundu Kingsley Chinda.
In a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Ijeoma Anyanwu, the association said it was not involved in the reported legal action and urged the public to disregard any impression that the persons behind it were acting on behalf of Ndigbo in Rivers State.
Anyanwu explained that the individuals mentioned in the report were not recognised leaders of the Igbo community but were acting in their personal capacities.
She reaffirmed the recognition of Ambassador Benjamin Ibigwe as Onye Ndu Ndigbo in Rivers State, stressing that the position was in line with directives and guidance communicated by Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and the South-East Traditional Rulers Council on the appropriate use of traditional titles and designations by Igbo communities living outside the South-East.
The association further stressed that no individual or group should claim to speak for Ndigbo in Rivers State, particularly on political issues, without the authority or recognition of the appropriate leadership structures.
It therefore maintained that Ndigbo in Rivers State had not adopted or endorsed any candidate for the 2027 governorship election.
The Publicity Secretary also appealed to media organisations, bloggers and social media operators to verify information thoroughly before publishing reports capable of creating confusion or misrepresenting the position of the Igbo community in the state.
She urged the public to rely on statements from recognised leadership structures when seeking clarification on issues concerning Ndigbo in Rivers State.
