The South-East Young Professionals group has condemned the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council over what it considered to be an “ill-conceived, malicious and spurious” allegation it levelled against former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha; former Minister of State for Education, Emeka Nwajiuba and other well-meaning figures in the South-East region.
Hon. Nwazuluahu Shield, chairman of the South-East Young Professionals, in a statement on Thursday, criticized as baseless the attempt by the Ohanaeze youth group to accuse the respected South-East politicians of attempting to hijack the South-East structure of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Hon, Shield emphasised that the allegation was devoid of logic, history or factual basis, stressing that facts on ground have debunked the allegation as his group was setting the records strength for the purpose of clarity, and to avoid misleading the general public.
He said that for the avoidance of doubts, Emeka Ihedioha and Nwajiuba were not political opportunists and as such “it is laughable that any serious-minded individual or group would accuse Emeka Ihedioha, a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and one-time Governor of Imo State, and Emeka Nwajiuba, a former Minister of State for Education and co-founder of several Third Force platforms, of “hijacking” a structure they have been painstakingly helping to build behind the scenes.”
The Young Professional noted that the two leading figures in the South-East and in Nigeria have paid their dues — not only in politics but in the democratic struggle to reposition the South-East in national discourse.
He said, “Their involvement in the ADC project is not driven by selfish ambition but by a sincere desire to see the zone aligned with a credible, people-focused alternative party that will address the decades of marginalization and neglect the region has suffered.”
Shield dismissed the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council as inconsequential as they were nowhere to be found when consultations, bridge-building, and quiet mobilization were ongoing across the region. “Where were they when courageous leaders from the South East were risking their political capital to lend credibility and acceptability to the ADC as a vehicle for national rescue?
“Rather than show courage and commitment when it mattered, they now find their voice only when others have laid the foundation for a new beginning. That is not leadership; it is parasitism cloaked in ethnic rhetoric,” he said.
The Young Professionals emphasized that one of the consistent failings of the region has been the people’s inability to act cohesively, early, and boldly in the national political realignments, stressing that the efforts by the likes of Ihedioha and Nwajiuba to plug the region into the mainstream of the ADC project should be applauded, not condemned.
“They have worked in silence to ensure that the Southeast does not become a political orphan in the emerging reconfiguration. This is a patriotic act that deserves commendation, not ridicule.
“It is easy to issue press releases and throw tantrums in the media. What is not easy is the courage to convene, mobilize, and engage — activities that Emeka Ihedioha and others have done with dignity, consistency, and selflessness,” the group said.
The Young Professionals pointed out that the purveyors of this propaganda have shown themselves to be politically lazy, intellectually dishonest, and morally bankrupt. It added that if the Ohanaeze Youth Council truly believes in Igbo resurgence and inclusion, they should channel their energy into constructive dialogue, not childish outbursts designed to derail unity.
The Young Professionals therefore urged the general public and stakeholders in the South East to disregard these baseless claims, stressing that the South East needs serious-minded leaders — not loud-mouthed pretenders who mistake attention-seeking for activism.
“Let it be made clear: No one is hijacking anything. What is happening is that credible leaders with track records are stepping up to offer guidance, structure, and hope. Those who disagree should show their capacity and leadership pedigree — not hide behind fake ethnic advocacy.
“The time has come to build, not destroy. We urge Emeka Ihedioha, Emeka Nwajiuba, and others not to be distracted. History will vindicate the just,” the statement added.
