UNIEC WORLDWIDE DISCLAIMER: Clarifying institutional identity, dissolved committee membership, and unauthorised representation. Verify Before You Attribute.

UNIEC WORLDWIDE ISSUES DISCLAIMER OVER MEDIA REPORT CONCERNING “UNITED IGBO ELDERS CONGRESS, ABUJA”

OFFICIAL QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS NEWS STATEMENT

The Seven (7) Critical Clarifications on Institutional Identity, Dissolved Committee Membership and Unauthorised Representation

ENUGU, NIGERIA — 14 OCTOBER 2026

The United Igbo Elders Council (UNIEC) Worldwide has issued an institutional clarification following a report published by The South East Insider on 1 October 2026, titled “Ndigbo Arise: UNIEC Calls for Igbo Unity.”

The Council seeks to distinguish its official institutional identity from that of the United Igbo Elders Congress, Abuja, and clarify the status of individuals formerly associated with its Central Organising Committee for the Annual Legacy Celebration.

QUESTION 1: Why has UNIEC Worldwide issued this public disclaimer?

ANSWER:

UNIEC Worldwide considers it necessary to clarify its institutional identity and prevent possible public confusion arising from media reports identifying another organisation as the United Igbo Elders Congress, Abuja, using the acronym “UNIEC.”

The Council believes that accurate institutional identification is essential to public confidence, responsible journalism and the protection of organisational integrity.

QUESTION 2: Are the United Igbo Elders Council (UNIEC) Worldwide and the United Igbo Elders Congress, Abuja, the same organisation?

ANSWER:

The names are different. The official name of our organisation is United Igbo Elders Council (UNIEC) Worldwide, while the name cited in the report is United Igbo Elders Congress, Abuja.

The use of a similar acronym does not, by itself, establish that the two organisations are identical, affiliated or authorised to speak for one another.

Accordingly, statements, activities, registration particulars, affiliations and policy positions attributed to the United Igbo Elders Congress, Abuja, should not automatically be attributed to UNIEC Worldwide.

QUESTION 3: What is the status of the individuals formerly associated with UNIEC Worldwide’s Central Organising Committee?

ANSWER:

The individuals concerned were members of the Central Organising Committee (COC) established specifically for the Annual Legacy Celebration of the United Igbo Elders Council (UNIEC) Worldwide.

The Council clarifies that the committee has been dissolved. Consequently, the individuals concerned are former members of the dissolved COC.

Their previous appointments do not confer continuing authority to represent, speak or act on behalf of UNIEC Worldwide. Any claim to represent the Council must be supported by appropriate and current institutional authorisation.

QUESTION 4: Does the former committee membership confer ownership or control of UNIEC Worldwide?

ANSWER:

No. Membership of an event-specific organising committee does not, by itself, confer ownership of the Council, permanent institutional authority or an unrestricted mandate to represent its leadership.

UNIEC Worldwide’s identity, governance, official positions and authorised representation remain subject to its recognised institutional structures and applicable procedures.

The public is therefore encouraged to distinguish between former committee responsibilities and current authority to speak for the Council.

QUESTION 5: What is UNIEC Worldwide’s position on statements or activities undertaken in its name without authorisation?

ANSWER:

UNIEC Worldwide dissociates itself from representations, declarations or activities made in its name by persons who lack the requisite authority.

This position is intended to prevent mistaken attribution and preserve institutional integrity. It does not deny any other organisation the lawful right to exist, maintain its own identity or pursue legitimate objectives.

QUESTION 6: What action does UNIEC Worldwide expect from the media and the general public?

ANSWER:

The Council urges media organisations, traditional rulers, public institutions, partners, donors and members of the public to verify the identity and authority of anyone claiming to represent UNIEC Worldwide.

We respectfully request that The South East Insider and other relevant media platforms clearly distinguish between the United Igbo Elders Council (UNIEC) Worldwide and the United Igbo Elders Congress, Abuja, and publish appropriate clarifications where necessary.

Responsible reporting should avoid attributing statements or activities to an organisation without adequate verification.

QUESTION 7: What is the Council’s broader message to Ndigbo?

ANSWER:

UNIEC Worldwide remains committed to Igbo unity, cultural heritage, justice, peace, responsible elder-statesmanship and the collective wellbeing of Ndigbo.

As our elders say, “Eziokwu bụ ndụ”—truth is life. Transparency, accurate representation and responsible communication are essential foundations of institutional credibility and public trust.

The Council calls on all stakeholders to respect institutional distinctions, avoid unnecessary hostility and verify information before circulating claims that may create public misunderstanding.

The public is respectfully advised not to attribute statements or activities to UNIEC Worldwide without proper verification and authorisation.

ONE PEOPLE • ONE HERITAGE • MANY VOICES • ONE COLLECTIVE DESTINY

Custodians of Heritage • Voices of Conscience • Advocates of Justice and Unity

SIGNED BY:

His Lordship, Justice Alpha Ikpeama Director-General (D-G) United Igbo Elders Council (UNIEC) Worldwide

PUBLISHED BY: NDIGBO WORLDWIDE MEDIA.COM

Informing Today, Documenting History, Inspiring Tomorrow.