Former Minister for Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has spoken out against claims that the Ikwerre people are part of the Igbo ethnic group. In a strong statement, Amaechi called upon the Ikwerre community to assert their true identity and disregard the narratives being written about them by others.
Amaechi stressed the importance of the Ikwerre people taking control of their own narrative and ensuring that their distinct cultural identity and history are accurately represented. He urged those involved in politics within Ikwerre land to actively promote and project the image of the Ikwerre people, regardless of where they find themselves.
According to a report by Punch, Amaechi emphasized that the Ikwerre people should tell their own story and ignore the stories being written about them by others. He encouraged the Ikwerre community to take pride in their identity and project their image wherever they are, underscoring the fact that Ikwerre is a distinct ethnic group with its own roots, identity, and history.
In his own words, Amaechi remarked, "Ikwerre people should tell who they are and ignore the stories that is being written about them. We will tell our story. Those who will play politics in Ikwerre land will project the image of the Ikwerre wherever they find themselves. Ikwerre is a district ethnic group and it has a root, an identity and a history."