Chief Celina Adibua: “We can’t force everyone to be Igbo at gunpoint.”

Chief (Mrs) Celina Ugwuoke Adibua, the former Vice President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, shared her views in an interview with Chuks Nweze. She emphasized that the Igbo-speaking people of Rivers State should not be compelled to join Ohanaeze Ndigbo. This discussion arose following the contentious election that resulted in Senator John Azuta Mbata becoming the President General.

Regarding the recent election of Senator Mbata, she noted several key issues.

• The election has generated significant attention and debate.
• Ohanaeze faced a challenging period with the deaths of its leaders, including the first President General from Imo State and the Deputy PG.
• The organization had to navigate a difficult transition, appointing a new leader to fill the gap left by Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu’s passing.

Adibua expressed pride in the organization’s ability to manage this transition within a tight timeframe of 27 days. She believes this reflects positively on Ohanaeze’s resilience and commitment to its leadership.

When asked about Senator Mbata’s election, she acknowledged the importance of this moment for the organization and the community.

It brings us joy to have someone like Senator Mbata from Rivers State stepping up. We aimed to connect with individuals interested in Ohanaeze from Rivers, but no one emerged until Senator Mbata came forward.

From my experience on the screening committee, he stood out among the five candidates. It was clear he was the right choice for the position.

Some claim the South East governors imposed the new Ohanaeze leadership. As a parent, I understand the dynamics. If someone were to snatch my handbag, my children would want to chase after that person. But I would call them back, knowing their capabilities. The screening committee identified Mbata as the best candidate, and we are pleased he was selected, regardless of the process.

Before the election, there was resistance from some in the South East regarding Rivers State producing the president general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo. Is Rivers State part of Igbo?

Absolutely. Rivers State has a significant Igbo population. Wherever Igbos reside, they belong to Ohanaeze. The local governments in Rivers, populated by Igbos, are vibrant, and leaders like Mbata can unite others. Many fear expressing their Igbo identity due to past conflicts, but this situation is positive. We are grateful for Mbata’s leadership.

Some Ikwere indigenes express dissatisfaction with Mbata’s acceptance of the Ohanaeze leadership. Since taking on this role, he has reportedly faced subtle threats. What do you think about this situation?

In Ohanaeze, we believe he will perform well. He understands the concerns of those who feel disconnected from the Igbo identity. Many claim they are not Igbo due to systemic barriers. Being Igbo often limits access to key positions, such as Inspector General of Police. This exclusion drives some youths, including IPOB members, to agitation.

Additionally, many Igbos change their names from Ugwu or Eze to names like Daniel to fit into the Nigerian system and improve job prospects. This reflects the struggle for acceptance and opportunity.

There are others who also seek the Ohanaeze presidency. Should their claims be dismissed as insignificant?

I understand the situation. When Iwuanyanwu served as the President General, some individuals claimed titles like president general or secretary general. They seek recognition and belonging.

However, they were absent during the election on January 10. They chose to create their own group. If they want to form an organization, they should choose a different name. They cannot use the name Ohanaeze, as it does not belong to them.

They could call themselves the Igbo Association of Port Harcourt or something similar. That would be acceptable. But using Ohanaeze Ndigbo raises questions. Who elected them? How many participated in their election?

The President General of Ohanaeze must be elected by a broad representation of Igbos, both in Igboland and the Diaspora. Delegates come from various regions, including Delta and Rivers. We had 30 delegates from each of the five Southeast states and 10 from other states. This structure ensures proper representation.

As a dedicated member of Ohanaeze, what benefits do you see for Ndigbo through this organization?

What have we gained? You stand here asking questions, and I answer honestly. In the past, I might have introduced myself as Celina David instead of Celina Ugwuoke Adibua to hide my Igbo identity. I admire Mbata for openly declaring his Igbo heritage, stating that he, his father, and his ancestors are Igbo. He had the courage to tell Nigerians that Ikwerre people are Igbo.

You can live anywhere, but your identity remains. If you deny being Igbo due to Nigeria’s challenges, we cannot force anyone to identify as Igbo. When Igbos achieve something significant, acceptance in Rivers often requires a prominent figure like Mbata to affirm their identity. If we had an Igbo vice president or minister, pride would follow. Yet, when Igbos face shame, many choose to adopt different names.

Regarding the factions in Ohanaeze, how do we address them?

What factions?

The factions in Ohanaeze. How can we resolve them?

Do you have factions? We seek unity. We want everyone to return. We cannot remain passive while others take control. Those forming factions likely do not understand Ohanaeze’s purpose. If they did, they wouldn’t create divisions. Perhaps they follow their own Constitution. If they are using the same Constitution I follow, then they have strayed.

What do we do with those who stray? We will seek them out, but if they refuse to join, we cannot force them. It’s like a church; you don’t compel anyone to join. You operate, and if they wish, they can come.

Has President Tinubu’s administration been fair to Ndigbo?

He hasn’t been fair, and he is aware of it.

Why do I have to point this out?

His actions seem calculated to undermine the Igbo, preventing any resurgence that could lead to another civil war.

In the previous conflict, we emerged victorious.

We kept them at bay; they did not defeat us.

We are simply trying to assert our identity.