UNIEC WORLDWIDE: IGBO UNITY MUST REST ON TRUTH, MUTUAL RESPECT, INSTITUTIONAL COOPERATION AND COLLECTIVE DEVELOPMENT. ONE PEOPLE • ONE HERITAGE • ONE COLLECTIVE DESTINY.

UNITED IGBO ELDERS COUNCIL (UNIEC) WORLDWIDE

OFFICIAL INSTITUTIONAL RESPONSE

IGBO UNITY MUST REST ON TRUTH, CONSTITUTIONAL ORDER AND INSTITUTIONAL COOPERATION

Reference Date: 27 October 2026 Location: Enugu, Nigeria

The United Igbo Elders Council (UNIEC) Worldwide has taken note of the statement published by The South East Insider concerning the United Igbo Elders Congress (UNIEC) Abuja, its Project Reposition Ndigbo in Nigeria, and its call for greater unity among Ndigbo.

As an independent socio-cultural institution committed to Igbo identity, responsible elder-statesmanship and collective development, UNIEC Worldwide considers it necessary to respond objectively and constructively.

1. IGBO UNITY IS A COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY

UNIEC Worldwide welcomes genuine initiatives promoting reconciliation, responsible leadership, equitable representation and the advancement of Igbo interests within Nigeria's constitutional framework.

However, the assertion that Ndigbo no longer have a body capable of bringing them together represents the position expressed by the organisation concerned; it should not be treated as an established or universally accepted fact.

Igbo unity cannot be measured by the existence of one organisation or the establishment of a new initiative. It must be demonstrated through practical cooperation, credible leadership, public confidence, respect for institutions and the ability to accommodate legitimate differences.

2. REGISTRATION DOES NOT CONFER EXCLUSIVE REPRESENTATIVE AUTHORITY

The publication identifies the United Igbo Elders Congress as an independent movement and cites Corporate Affairs Commission registration number RC 8583834. This registration claim should be verified against official records.

In any event, registration alone does not confer exclusive authority to speak for all Ndigbo or invalidate the relevance of other socio-cultural institutions. Every organisation must operate within its registered identity, governing documents and lawful mandate.

Claims of collective representation should be supported by credible evidence of consultation, mandate and acceptance by the constituencies concerned. No organisation should claim exclusive ownership of the Igbo cause merely because it is registered or has launched a repositioning programme.

3. INSTITUTIONAL IDENTITY MUST BE CLEAR

The United Igbo Elders Council (UNIEC) Worldwide is distinct from the United Igbo Elders Congress (UNIEC) Abuja. Their names must not be used interchangeably, and their statements, programmes, leadership and institutional positions must not automatically be attributed to one another.

UNIEC Worldwide does not claim affiliation with the United Igbo Elders Congress (UNIEC) Abuja. The public should independently verify each organisation's identity and direct enquiries to the appropriate institution.

Similar acronyms do not establish common leadership, legal affiliation or shared authority. Institutional clarity is essential to public trust.

4. THE PLACE OF OHANAEZE NDIGBO WORLDWIDE

An organisation is entitled to state its own affiliations in accordance with its governing documents and actual relationships. Nevertheless, the reported declaration that the United Igbo Elders Congress is not affiliated with Ohanaeze Ndigbo does not, by itself, establish that Ohanaeze lacks the capacity to contribute to Igbo unity.

Equally, no institution should be presumed to represent every Igbo person on every issue. The appropriate approach is to respect distinct institutional mandates, encourage cooperation where interests align, and resolve disagreements through dialogue, constitutional procedures and verifiable records.

Ndigbo need stronger institutions and better coordination—not unnecessary competition over who alone possesses the authority to unite them.

5. PROJECT REPOSITION NDIGBO: FROM DECLARATION TO DELIVERY

UNIEC Worldwide acknowledges the right of the United Igbo Elders Congress to pursue its stated project, subject to applicable law. Its success should be assessed by the substance of its objectives, the inclusiveness of its consultations, its transparency and its measurable contribution to the welfare of Ndigbo.

A credible repositioning programme should address security, economic development, youth employment, infrastructure, education, political representation and cultural preservation. It should also demonstrate how it will engage existing institutions, traditional authorities and community stakeholders without creating unnecessary rivalry or duplication.

The true test of leadership is not the strength of a declaration, but the quality of its service and the results it delivers.

6. THE WISDOM OF ELDER-STATESMANSHIP

Our elders teach us that “Otu osisi anaghị eme ọhịa”—one tree does not make a forest. No single organisation can independently resolve every challenge confronting a diverse people.

Likewise, “Igwe bụ ike”—unity is strength. Such unity must rest on mutual respect, truth, fairness and shared responsibility, not the dismissal of legitimate differences or existing institutions.

UNIEC Worldwide therefore calls on Igbo organisations and elder-statesmen to respect one another's lawful mandates, avoid unsupported claims about other institutions, promote peaceful dialogue, and pursue transparent, measurable programmes for the common good.

7. OUR FINAL POSITION

The United Igbo Elders Council (UNIEC) Worldwide supports every genuine and lawful effort to advance Igbo unity, dignity and development. However, unity must not become a slogan for institutional rivalry, nor should repositioning become a contest for exclusive ownership of the Igbo cause.

Our people need unity without uniformity, cooperation without subordination, and leadership grounded in service rather than claims of exclusivity.

May wisdom guide our elders, integrity strengthen our institutions, and collective responsibility secure a better future for Alaigbo.

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

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

Issued by:

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

Non-Partisan • Non-Sectarian • Constitutionally Guided • Peace-Oriented • Elder-Statesmanship Driven.