The Igbo community in Rivers State has resolved to participate actively in mainstream politics ahead of the 2027 general elections, endorsing the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Hon. Kingsley Chinda.
The decision was announced after a crucial meeting of the Igbo community in the state, tagged “After August Meeting,” held in Rivers State.
Speaking with journalists shortly after the meeting, the Eze Ndigbo Gburugburù, His Imperial Majesty, Eze (Engr.) Samm Nwaokolo, said the decision reflected the collective position of the Igbo community to no longer remain in opposition politics.
Nwaokolo said that as the leader of the community, he was obligated to respect and support the decision of his people.
“The people said they wouldn’t be in opposition, and as leader, I must follow my people. They said that for being in Rivers State, they cannot play opposition politics. As a father, I will concur with that,” he said.
The traditional ruler disclosed that the community had formally communicated its position to the relevant political leaders, including O.K. Chinda and Chief Nyesom Wike.
“I advised them not just to talk but to follow it with actions, and we sent a letter to convey the heartbeat of the Ndi-Igbo Community in Rivers State to O.K. Chinda and Chief Nyesom Wike,” he added.
Nwaokolo also commended members of the community, particularly the women, for demonstrating their commitment to the group’s activities despite heavy rainfall during the event.
The Women Leader of the group, Dr. (Mrs.) Constance Ngozi Amaechi Onyeremma, said the empowerment programme was part of a promise she made during her campaign for the position to pursue initiatives that would improve the welfare of women in the community.
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She said more than 50 indigent women benefited from the empowerment programme, which included sewing machines, deep freezers, grinding machines, generators, hair salon equipment, coolers and cash assistance.
According to her, women leaders from the various local government areas also received special empowerment packages.
Onyeremma urged the beneficiaries to make productive use of the items and cautioned them against selling the equipment provided.
She said beneficiaries who did not require the items could return them to the organisation and receive equivalent cash support for other needs.
“For those that have not gotten, this is just a stepping stone. Next year, theirs will be greater than what we see today,” she assured.
Also speaking, the President-General of the Igbo Community in Rivers State, Chief Emmanuel Anya, said the “After August Meeting” was organised to demonstrate the strength and population of the Igbo community in the state.
Anya reiterated the community’s decision to identify with the ruling party and participate actively in the political process.
Similarly, the Board of Trustees Chairman of the group, Dr. Onyeremma Anayochukwu, said he would support the collective position of the Igbo community, stressing that as an Igbo man, he was committed to identifying with the decision of his people.
Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, Prince Hon. Collins Onuwor, a former Commissioner for Transport in Rivers State, commended the women for their commitment and enthusiasm.
Onuwor urged them to sustain the momentum and remain obedient to the leadership of the community.
