Ikwerre Group Demands Ohaneze Ndigbo President’s Resignation, Alleges Annexation Attempt

PORT HARCOURT– The Rivers Restoration Movement (RRM), a political pressure group, has issued a seven-day deadline to Senator John Mbata, the newly elected President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, requesting his resignation.

According to the RRM, Ikwerres, an ethnic group in Rivers State, are not Igbo, and thus cannot lead an organisation representing Igbo interests.

In a statement issued Sunday and signed by Director General Hon. Johnson George and Secretary Mrs. Sarima Akpata, the RRM described Senator Mbata’s election as “unfortunate” and a covert attempt by the Igbo to annex Rivers State.

The group accused Rivers State Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara of complicity, using his congratulatory message to Senator Mbata as evidence.

The RRM vehemently rejects any affiliation between Ikwerres and Igbos, citing a long history of opposition to such claims dating back to the formation of Rivers State.

The group criticised Governor Fubara’s actions, implying a betrayal of the Ikwerre people and their historical relationship with the Ijaws.

“The big question now is: Are Ikwerres Igbos? “The answer is a big no,” the statement read.

The RRM used the example of the Welsh and Scots in the United Kingdom to demonstrate the unique identity of the Ikwerre people.

The group vowed to resist what it described as an attempt to subjugate Rivers State through the alleged inclusion of Ikwerres in Igbo representation.

In addition to Senator Mbata’s resignation ultimatum, the RRM is urging Governor Fubara to withdraw his congratulatory message and requesting intervention from President Bola Tinubu, the Nigerian Police, the DSS, and select national leaders.

The RRM has announced plans for large-scale peaceful protests in Rivers State, Abuja, and at United Nations facilities to highlight its grievances and gain international attention.

The group invoked prominent Ikwerre leaders’ legacies, claiming that their actions would dishonour their memory.

The RRM presented the issue as one of self-determination and identity, transcending partisan politics.

It urged all Rivers State residents to take a stand against what it sees as an injustice committed by the state government and its leaders.

The group concluded by emphasising that Ikwerres are not Igbo and never will be.

The seven-day ultimatum creates a tense deadline for resolving the escalating inter-ethnic conflict.