Igbo Community In A’Ibom On Fire …Gov. Udom Called For Intervention

By UbongAbasi Ise

Power tussle between C.Y.C. Umeakuku and Eze Barth Okpala is on the verge of tearing Igbo community in Akwa Ibom State into shreds, a competent source revealed.

Speaking with newsmen in Uyo recently, Mr. Sunday Orie, a member of Igbo community in the state, revealed that all is not well with Igbo apex group in Akwa Ibom State, pointing out at the self-acclamation of leadership by C.Y.C. Umeakuku as being the cause of the crisis.

Orie asserted that Eze Barth Okpala is the recognized and legitimate head of Igbo group in the state, not C.Y.C. Umeakuku.

 “Eze Barth Okpala is the crowned and titled Eze Ndigbo of Uyo in Akwa Ibom State. He was coronate at the Christ the King School here in Uyo in an open place where everyone was present, not in a hidden place. He did not crown himself in secret like C.Y.C. Umeakuku did.

“On that coronation, Eze Okpala was honoured and majestically received by paramount traditional Clan Head of Offot Ukwa and the Clan Head of Oku.’’ 

“There is nothing like Igwe Gburugburu in Igwe’s council. We only have the Chairman of the Igwe’s Council whose office lasts for two or three years while another person will take over after election must have been conducted.

‘’It is heartrending that the throne of The Eze Ndigbo is in tussle as being dragged by Umeakuku. The Eze Ndigbo title is rotational; it rotates among the five Igbo States.

“C.Y.C. Umeakuku was the President General of Igbo community between 1996 and 2006. That was the only leadership function he had played in the history of Igbo community. But to one’s amazement, he is now going about parading himself as the Eze Ndigbo.

“The Igbo is solidly behind Barth (Okpara) and that is why they were all in court to give him their full support. Eze Barth has been fulfilling his obligations as the Eze Ndigbo in Uyo by ensuring the unity of the Igbos, working with the government of the day and ensuring that there is no crisis amongst them,” he said. 

Speaking further, Mr. Sunday Orie called on the State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, to come to their rescue adding that, “it is dangerous to the State, because the problem is going to the level they need the Governor’s assistance.

Orie suggested the governor could possibly invite all parties for questioning to ascertain the truth.

Related article: Ohaneze President Accused Of Igbo Crisis In A’Ibom

Source: The Sensor Newspaper