The Bayelsa State Government has officially ratified the recommendations of the reconciliation committee set up to resolve the leadership dispute within the Ohaneze Ndigbo in the state.
In a significant move to bring peace and unity to the Igbo community, the government declared Dr. Frank Odunukwe as the validly elected president general of the Bayelsa chapter of Ohaneze Ndigbo.
The Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, made the announcement during a meeting with key stakeholders and leaders of the Ohaneze Ndigbo in the state on Wednesday at the Government House in Yenagoa. Senator Ewhrudjakpo expressed gratitude to the reconciliation committee for their diligent work and said the government had carefully considered the committee’s findings before taking a stand.
He stressed that the government’s position was impartial and aimed at fostering unity among Igbos in the state. Ewhrudjakpo encouraged the newly elected president, Dr. Odunukwe, to lead with inclusivity, ensuring that all factions within the Ohaneze Ndigbo are brought together for the greater good of the community.
“The government holds the Igbos in high esteem for their valuable contributions to the socio-economic development of the state,” Ewhrudjakpo stated. “This declaration is not just about an election result; it’s about ensuring peace and unity. Let there be no victor, no vanquished. We must work together to take Ohaneze Ndigbo to the next level.”
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The reconciliation committee, which was formed in March 2025 to investigate the contested leadership election within Ohaneze Ndigbo, had found several irregularities in the electoral process. The committee, led by Chief Collins Cocodia, Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, found that five votes initially declared invalid by the Ohaneze Electoral Committee were, in fact, valid, with four votes cast in favor of Dr. Odunukwe. As a result, Dr. Odunukwe’s total votes increased to 64, while his main rival, Dr. Anthony Olikagu, received 59 votes.
Based on these findings, the committee recommended that Dr. Odunukwe’s election as President General stand, thus eliminating the need for a rerun. The Bayelsa State Government supported this recommendation, urging all parties to accept the decision and avoid further conflict.
Senator Ewhrudjakpo further called on the leadership of Ohaneze Ndigbo in Bayelsa to amend its constitution to address some of the deficiencies identified by the committee. He appealed to Dr. Olikagu and his supporters to accept the outcome and refrain from any actions that might disrupt the peace or incite further division.
In his remarks, Dr. Odunukwe expressed his gratitude to the Bayelsa State Government for its timely intervention and commitment to ensuring a fair and peaceful resolution to the leadership crisis. He assured his supporters that his administration would be inclusive, working to unite the Igbo community in Bayelsa and promote their shared values.
“We are committed to a leadership that brings everyone together. I thank the Bayelsa State Government for its intervention, and I promise to lead with fairness, transparency, and inclusiveness,” Dr. Odunukwe stated.
Dr. Olikagu, the runner-up in the election, also expressed his acceptance of the government’s decision. He pledged to continue supporting the cause of Ohaneze Ndigbo in Bayelsa and beyond, stating that the unity of the Igbo community was paramount.
“I accept the decision of the Bayelsa State Government, and I will continue to contribute towards advancing the cause of Ohaneze Ndigbo,” Dr. Olikagu said. “Let us put aside our differences and work together for the betterment of our people.”
The leadership crisis within Ohaneze Ndigbo in Bayelsa has now been resolved, with the state government’s intervention playing a crucial role in restoring peace and order. The reconciliation committee’s report has paved the way for greater unity among the Igbos in the state, and both factions have expressed a commitment to moving forward together.
As the newly elected President General, Dr. Odunukwe now faces the challenge of leading Ohaneze Ndigbo in Bayelsa with a focus on unity, progress, and the continued development of the Igbo community.
Crediblenewsng.com
