Opinion on the membership strength of Ohaneze Ndigbo, by Okey Igbokwe

Ohaneze membership strength may not be up-to 500. Southeast governors are just 5 individuals. Igbo federal legislators are about 40 in all.

This group of possible 545 people just sat down at Nike Lake resort with bottled water, red wine and glass cups on their tables and passed a resolution that they want restructuring in a United Nigeria and renounced Biafra self determination struggle. .

IPOB/MASSOB membership strength worldwide is about 20million plus non member supporters. This self determination fighters said they want referendum to determine their existence in one Nigeria.

A group of just over 500 men and women sat at a round table and reached a conclusion without involving the about 20million self determination fighters to seek their opinion and view and possibly arrive at a compromise before going public to present their demand. This is nothing but autocracy or should I say oligarchy.

Igbo culture doesn't  accommodate oligarchy or autocratic form of government. In fact, it is one culture that recognize and entrench participatory democracy; government by the people. It doesn't impose its views on people. It allows people have their say and make their input. One significant part of Igbo culture is that, in every village or community meeting where important decisions are taken, every class of people from each clan is evenly represented; the elders, the youth body and the women. The opinion and views of each member must be sort and openly debated before a final resolution is reached that would be binding on all. This is pure democracy which Igbo tradition fully recognize and practice.

But Ohaneze and some 45 political contractors just sat down somewhere under the blaring of air-conditioned system, override  this vital rule and pattern of Igbo tradition and took unilateral decision over a nearly 50million people.

Ohaneze and the 45 political contractors unilateral resolution declaring allegiance to oppressive one Nigeria, renounce Biafra struggle and champion restructuring  is not binding on me. And I expect every other noble Igbo citizen conscious of his or her right and fully uncomfortable with the mistreatment and marginalisation of our people to reject them too.

The general consensus of over 20million IPOB/MASSOB members and non members worldwide is that Igbo nation want referendum to decide their fate, not restructuring or loyalty to one Nigeria.

Every noble Igbo citizen must support the November election boycott in Anambra to send a message to the world that we are not part of them as well as press our demand.