Hon Kayceey Chidiadi (second right) president Ohaneze ,Akwa Ibom chapter with treasurer , vice president and publicity Secretary during press conference in Uyo

The Akwa Ibom State chapter of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze, says that it has resolved the leadership feud, which resulted in several litigations and loss of funds, while many elders died in the past 26 years in the state.

It therefore plans an elaborate celebration which will involve the Akwa Ibom State Government, to reunite the Igbos and reconcile members, as well as restore unity and progress among the kindreds in Akwa Ibom.

Speaking during a press conference in Uyo to announce the Igbo Unity Celebration, the president of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide in Akwa Ibom, Hon. Kayceey Chidiadi, recounted losses incurred during the crisis, adding that brothers could not greet fellow brethren, while some persons lost their lives.

Chidiadi explained that the Unity Celebration will be held on November 15 for all Ndigbo residing in Akwa Ibom State.

“On that day, we would shut our businesses; no shop of any Igbo man will be opened. All the local government chapters of Ohanaeze across the 31 council areas in Akwa Ibom will convene at Ibom Hall ground along IBB Way in Uyo for the unity festival.”

He said the celebration will be anchored on the theme “Peace and Progress: A Panacea for Progress and Development,” which was designed to formally mark the end of the protracted crisis rocking the Igbo community in Akwa Ibom State for over two decades.

“The coming event will serve as an avenue to unify the entire Igbos in the state after a protracted crisis and litigations which over N400m was wasted.”

Chidiadi announced that members of Ohanaeze who passed away during the leadership tussle will be posthumously honoured as all factions in the crisis have embraced peace.

“To achieve the peace, unity and progress we are celebrating today, my administration upon assumption of duty prioritised reconciliation of all factions.

“It was a very big task but we weathered the storm after several sessions; we were able to bring all warring factions on a round table and signed a lasting peace accord.”

He disclosed that his team through permission was granted an out-of-court settlement which a strong reconciliation was achieved as the case was struck out including other related cases after the peace deal.

The President who declared end to all factions which had existed in Igbo community in the state also announced that his administration has increased chapters of the body in the state from 11 to 27 chapters and will inaugurate the remaining 4 chapters after the unity celebration to complete the 31 local government areas of the state.

“My administration has also ensured we have a befitting Secretariat, a working bank account for Ohanaeze and also plans to secure our permanent Secretariat for the Ohanaeze Ndigbo in the state.”

“Igbos are very progressive and development-minded race and usually add value to any community they live.

“They build homes and take such areas as their home which means they will never engage in any negative activity to undermine their host community.”

He said the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has promised to attend the Igbo unity celebration and urged all members to prepare.

“The State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has assured me that he will celebrate with us on that day by attending the event.” (THE SUN)