The acting President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Bayelsa State, Remigius Ekwem, has called on Governor Douye Diri to intervene following an alleged assault by Commissioner for Special Duties, Johnson Onuma.
In a statement released to the press on Monday, Ekwem condemned Onuma’s involvement in a physical altercation that left Chief Johnpaul Nwankwo, the Enugu State President of Ohanaeze, “badly injured and hospitalised.”
Ekwem described the incident as unacceptable and a reflection of ongoing leadership tensions within the state.
He urged the governor to address the matter promptly to prevent further escalation and ensure accountability among his officials.
He questioned why Onuma, a commissioner in Bayelsa originally from Abia, would be involved in a dispute over the selection of the Igwe Ndigbo of Bayelsa.
He explained that the position is “open to contest and will be filled by an elected official,” highlighting the importance of adhering to due process.
He, however, cautioned that any attempt to impose a candidate on the association would be met with legal resistance.
He noted that the position could be zoned based on the states of origin of current officials within Ohanaeze Ndigbo Bayelsa.
Describing the commissioner’s recent actions as “an embarrassment to the Bayelsa state government,” he urged the governor to intervene and prevent further repercussions.
“Abia State already holds the offices of the president, women leader, and youth leader; now Onuma seeks to install another person from Abia as Igwe—someone who has not even spent two years in Ohanaeze and is therefore ineligible to run.
“If he had supported a candidate known to the Igbos in Bayelsa, we would have united behind him for a fair contest against Chief Ozuome from Enugu, ensuring that the winner is duly recognized.
“We call on Governor Douye Diri to rein in his commissioner before more damage is done,” he said.
Ekwem added that Nwankwo, who is recovering in the hospital, is in stable condition.
