A group, the Ikwerre Social-cultural group has criticized the President of Ohanaeze worldwide Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyawu for describing Ikwerre people as Igbo.
The group said the remark made by the prominent Igbo leader is shameful and insensitive because the Ikwere people’s identity is unique and recognized globally.
Chief Iwuanyanwu recently described Ikwerre people Igbo during a press conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers state.
The ISC also described Iwaunyawu and other leaders in the south east calling the ethnic group Igbo as an insult stating that “the Ikwerre people are a distinct ethnic nation recognised in Nigeria and the United Nations”
Dr. Okahchukwu Dibia who spoke on behalf of Ikwerre Peoples’ Organisation, IPO, said it’s not true that his people originated from Igbo.
He cited various authorities which he explained proved that Ikwerre people are a distinct nationality in Nigeria, for instance, scholars like Prof. Otonti Nduka.
He said: “For the avoidance of doubt, the Ikwerre people are a distinct ethnic nation recognised in Nigeria and the United Nations. Ikwerre language is one of the recognised languages in Nigeria and the United Nations (UN).
“While Ikwerre is our political name, Iwhnurohna is our native name, and both refer to the same people: the Ikwerre ethnic nationality.
“We live and own the Emohua, Ikwerre, Obio/Akpor and Port Harcourt City (in alphabetical order) local government areas in Rivers State, Niger Delta, South-South geo-political region of Nigeria.
His words: “Consequently, IPO’s reply to Iwuanyanwu is that language, name, dances, songs, dressing cannot be and should not be used as determinants of who Ikwerre is. IPO wish to reply Iwuanyanwu that who a man truly is, is more about his core, innate character and behaviour than the physicals he sees.
“IPO’s reply to Iwuanyanwu on the history of Ikwerre is that Iwhnurohna is a Federation of Aborigines and Migrants who have come together under one political roof called Ikwerre Ethnic Nation. It is therefore very unthinkable and childish to claim that Ikwerre is Igbo because of the existence of few Aro communities allowed to settle in Ikwerreland.
“Ikwerre history has been well written and documented. Ikwerre is not Igbo. In Igboland, due to reckless boundaries delineation between Rivers State and Imo State, Ikwerre people are carved into Imo State. Example is the Ohaji people in Imo state.
“Ohanaeze should know that it is only a handful of Aro people who were allowed to settle in Ikwerre that can trace their origin to Igboland. Therefore, it is very wrong, preposterous and unacceptable for anyone to say that Ikwerre is Igbo.
“Henceforth, such offensive, insulting, abusive and insensitive hate-claim should not be uttered by Ohanaeze or any other group or individuals from any part of humanity. Iwhnurohna will not tolerate it anymore.
“IPO suggests that Ohanaeze should maintain good neighbourliness. Ohanaeze, Ijaw and indeed all ethnic groups in Nigeria should respect their neighbours as distinct people instead of angling and making subtle desperate moves for unification for a political entity they will dominate. No nation is successfully built on suspicion and domination.
“Ohanaeze should recognise the need to change its antagonistic attitude towards Ikwerre. Igbo should stay and develop their five states and let Ikwerre be. Ikwerre is not Igbo.
“IPO wishes to remind Ohanaeze that good neighbourliness is better than money, profits and gains. Ohaneze should respect Ikwerre as a distinct ethnic nation instead of insulting Ikwerre through claims that provoke and promote disaffection between Ikwerre and Igbo. Then, we can all co-habit as good neighbours.”
