The Port Harcourt Barons club of Nigeria has reiterated its stand that Ikwerre are not Igbo
In a statement signed by the President, Emma Atuzie and the Secretary, Friday Owhonda, respectively, they made it clear that Ikwerre comprising Emohua, Ikwerre, Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor local government areas of Rivers state are not Igbo.
The statement said that Ikwerre began the self identification of Ikwerre ethnic nationality in 1965 when its people made a declaration known as the Rumuomasi Declaration, stating the autonomy of Ikwerre and that since then Ikwerre leaders through any available medium of communication had stated unequivocally that they were not Igbo.
It urged all and sundry not to associate them with one.
It restated that Senator John Azuta Mbata, the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo was on his own and did not represent Ikwerre ethnic nationality as made clear by Ogbakor Ikwerre Cultural Organisation Worldwide.
The release stated that the Barons club wishes to make its position clear and to reiterate the stance of Ogbakor Ikwerre Cultural Organisation that they are not Igbo.
The group warned those who are instigating the idea based on pecuniary interest or otherwise to desist from such expansionist idea, adding that the Ikwerre – Iwhnurohna would resist it with their might.
