The Ikwerre people of Rivers State have stated that they are not Igbos as posited by the Ohanaeze Ndigbo and its President, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.
(Photo Credit - The Nation Verified Facebook Page)
The Nation reported that the Ikwerre socio-cultural group, Iwhnurohna Progressive Organisation (IPO) dismissed the claims by Ohanaeze Ndigbo and its President, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu that they are Igbo in an official statement released to the public.
Speaking on behalf of IPO in Port Harcourt, Dr. Okahchukwu Dibia said; "Ikwerre history has been well written and documented. Ikwerre is not Igbo. In Igboland, due to reckless boundaries delineation between Rivers State and Imo State, Ikwerre people are carved into Imo State. Example is the Ohaji people in Imo state. Ohanaeze should recognise the need to change its antagonistic attitude towards Ikwerre."
He added; "Igbo should stay and develop their five states and let Ikwerre be. Ikwerre is not Igbo"