Remigius Ekwem, the acting President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Bayelsa State, has urged Governor Douye Diri to take action following an alleged assault by Johnson Onuma, the Commissioner for Special Duties. In a statement issued to the media on Monday, Ekwem condemned Onuma’s role in a violent incident that resulted in serious injuries to Chief Johnpaul Nwankwo, the Ohanaeze President of Enugu State, who is currently hospitalized.
Ekwem characterized the altercation as intolerable and indicative of ongoing leadership struggles within the state. He called on the governor to address the situation urgently to prevent further conflict and ensure accountability among his officials.
He questioned why Onuma, originally from Abia but serving as a commissioner in Bayelsa, would engage in a dispute regarding the selection of the Igwe Ndigbo of Bayelsa. Ekwem emphasized that the position is “open to contest and will be filled by an elected official,” underscoring the necessity of following proper procedures.
Additionally, he warned that any efforts to impose a candidate would face legal opposition. He suggested that the position might be zoned based on the origins of current Ohanaeze officials in Bayelsa.
Describing Onuma’s conduct as “an embarrassment to the Bayelsa state government,” Ekwem reiterated the need for the governor to intervene to mitigate further fallout. “Abia State already occupies the offices of president, women leader, and youth leader; now Onuma aims to impose another individual from Abia as Igwe—someone who has not even spent two years in Ohanaeze and thus is ineligible to run,” he stated.
He added that had Onuma supported a candidate familiar to the Igbos in Bayelsa, there could have been unity in backing a fair contest against Chief Ozuome from Enugu, ensuring that the rightful winner is acknowledged.
Ekwem concluded by stating that Nwankwo, who is recovering in the hospital, is currently in stable condition.
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