Chapter ratifies Sam Chukwuemeka as president, disowns Livingstone Wechie’s recent statement
The Rivers State Chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has endorsed the Rainbow Coalition associated with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Barrister Nyesom Wike, while expressing support for the aspiration of Hon. O. K. Chinda to occupy the Rivers State Government House in the 2027 governorship election.
The position was contained in a communiqué issued at the conclusion of an emergency stakeholders’ meeting held at the Royal Diamond Hotel in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, 9 September 2026.
The meeting, attended by representatives of Ndigbo communities, the United Igbo Community, Concerned Igbo Citizens and Igbo residents across Rivers State, was presided over by the State President, Dr Sam Chukwuemeka.
In its resolutions, the chapter reaffirmed Chukwuemeka as the “duly recognised and legal” president of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide in Rivers State.
The stakeholders also ratified the reported impeachment of Livingstone Wechie, stating that 13 of the 16 members of the State Executive Committee had voted for his removal.
According to the communiqué, the decision was based on what the members described as actions contrary to the interests of Ndigbo in Rivers State.
The chapter’s Legal Adviser, Barrister Anthony Uzowune, was quoted as affirming the legal standing of the present leadership, citing the support of 13 executive members against three dissenting members.
The meeting also produced a significant political resolution, with the State Executive Committee and stakeholders endorsing the Rainbow Coalition, an initiative associated with Wike.
The chapter commended the former Rivers State governor for what it described as his leadership and contributions to the development of the state.
The endorsement is particularly significant as political alignments continue to take shape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Addressing the meeting, Chief Hon. Ogu Chinda, Ada Ndigbo Rita and Mazi Felix Onwuma reportedly urged the Igbo community in Rivers State to align with the political centre in order to maximise its representation and influence.
The chapter, however, stressed that its political support would ultimately be determined by which political platform could deliver the greatest development for Rivers State.
It nevertheless acknowledged what it described as the suitability and integrity of Hon. O. K. Chinda, declaring him its preferred candidate for the Rivers State governorship election in 2027.
The women’s wing of the organisation also expressed support for the emerging political alignment.
The State Woman Leader, Hon. Mrs Uju Jovita Alagba, AJP, reportedly told the meeting that there was overwhelming support among Igbo women in Rivers State for the Rainbow Coalition and Wike.
She further affirmed the women’s wing’s readiness to mobilise grassroots support for Chinda.
The resolution adds a potentially important grassroots dimension to the chapter’s political position, particularly given the size and organisational structure of Igbo communities across Rivers State.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State chapter has formally dissociated itself from a publication titled “2027: Igbo in Rivers set conditions for political support, demand level playing field,” dated 7 September 2026 and signed by Wechie.
In its official disclaimer, the organisation stated that Wechie had been impeached and no longer possessed executive authority to speak, issue communiqués or sign documents on behalf of the Rivers State chapter.
It therefore urged print, electronic and digital media organisations to disregard any statement or document purportedly issued by Wechie on behalf of the organisation.
The chapter similarly stated that publications issued by Wechie or Miss Daisy Obomanu did not represent the official position of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Rivers State Chapter, under Chukwuemeka’s leadership.
The disclaimer appears aimed at resolving conflicting positions emanating from individuals claiming to speak for the organisation as political activity intensifies ahead of 2027.
Despite its endorsement of the Rainbow Coalition and stated preference for Chinda, the chapter indicated that its final political alignment would be guided by what it considers to be the overall interests and development of Rivers State.
It said Ndigbo in the state would, at the appropriate time, “throw its weight” behind the coalition considered capable of delivering the greatest benefits to the state.
The development places the political influence of the Igbo community in Rivers State firmly within the evolving conversation around alliances ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The stakeholders’ meeting was eventually adjourned at 3:36 p.m., following a motion moved by Mazi Felix Onwuma and seconded by Hon. Mrs Uju Jovita Alagba, with a closing prayer led by Onwuma.
The communiqué was signed by the State Secretary, Okpara Maurice, and the State President, Dr Sam Chukwuemeka.
Below is the copy of the press release obtained by Africa Update: OHANAEZE NDIGBO WORLDWIDE
RIVERS STATE CHAPTER
COMMUNIQUÉ AND OFFICIAL DISCLAIMER
Issued at the conclusion of the Emergency Stakeholders Meeting at Royal Diamond Hotel, Port Harcourt — Wednesday, 9 September 2026
PREAMBLE
Quarterly Stakeholders Meeting of the State Executive Committee (EXCO) and key stakeholders of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Rivers State Chapter, was held on Wednesday, 9 September 2026 at the Royal Diamond Hotel, Port Harcourt.
Attendance included representatives from all Ndigbo communities, the United Igbo Community, Concerned Igbo Citizens, and Igbo residents across Rivers State.
The meeting opened with a prayer by Hon. Mrs. Maurine Onyemaechi and an address by the State President, Dr. Sam Chukwuemeka.
RESOLUTIONS AND COMMUNIQUÉ
Following deliberations, the General Assembly, State Executive Committee, and stakeholders unanimously adopted the following resolutions:
RATIFICATION OF LEADERSHIP AND IMPEACHMENT
- The Assembly reaffirmed Dr. Sam Chukwuemeka is the duly recognized and legal state president of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Rivers State Chapter.
- The House ratified the impeachment of Mr. Livingstone Wechie. Thirteen of sixteen (13/16) State Executive Committee members (more than two-thirds) voted for his removal on grounds of actions found to be contrary to the interests of Ndigbo in Rivers State.
- Endorsement of the Rainbow Coalition and political leadership
The State EXCO and stakeholders endorsed the Rainbow Coalition, an initiative of Chief Barr. Nyesom Wike, Minister of the FCT. The Exco expressed appreciation for his leadership and contributions to the development of Rivers State. - Solidarity and political support for Hon. O.K. Chinda
After addresses by Chief Hon. Ogu Chinda, Ada Ndigbo Rita, and Mazi Felix Onwuma, the meeting resolved to align the Ndigbo of Rivers State with the center to maximize political representation.
The chapter said at the appropriate time it will throw it’s weight to the coalition that will bright about the overall development in the state.The leadership acknowledges suitability and integrity of O. K. Chindah as the best candidate to occupy the brick house come 2027. - Legal position and rejection of injustice
The Legal Adviser, Barr. Anthony Uzowune confirmed that the current leadership under Dr. Sam Chukwuemeka is legally sound, noting the majority support of 13 executive members over three dissenting members.
The counsel emphasized the organization’s duty to reject actions that undermine Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s integrity and purpose. - Stakeholders’ and women’s wing alignment
The State Woman Leader, Hon. Mrs. Uju Jovita Alagba A JP reported overwhelming support from the Igbo women’s wing for the Rainbow Coalition and Chief Barr. Nyesom Wike and affirmed their commitment to mobilize grassroots support for Hon. O.K. Chinda.
OFFICIAL DISCLAIMER
To all print, electronic, and digital media platforms:
- The State Executive Committee and stakeholders of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Rivers State Chapter, led by Dr. Sam Chukwuemeka hereby disassociate the organization from the publication titled “2027: Igbo in Rivers set conditions for political support, demand level playing field,” dated 7 September 2026 and signed by Mr. Livingstone Wechie.
The public and media are notified that Mr. Livingstone Wechie has been impeached and no longer holds any executive power, title, or authority to speak, issue communiqués, or sign documents on behalf of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Rivers State Chapter.
Any press statement, circular, or publication issued by Mr. Livingstone Wechie or Miss Daisy Obomanu does not represent the views, positions, or decisions of Ndigbo in Rivers State and should be disregarded.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion for adjournment moved by Mazi Felix Onwuma and seconded by hon. Mrs. Uju Jovita Alagba A JP.
Closing prayer led by Mazi Felix Onwuma.
The meeting adjourned at 3:36 PM.
Signed,
Dr. Sam Chukwuemeka
State President
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Rivers State Chapter
Okpara Maurice
State Secretary
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Rivers State Chapter
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