Igbo Community in UK Disowns Fake Petition, Reaffirms Support for NIDCOM Chairman

By David Odama

Progressive Igbos in the United Kingdom have distanced themselves from a statement credited to a group parading under the name Ogbako Ndi Igbo UK, describing it as faceless and unknown.

In a statement signed by the Secretary of Progressive Igbos, Ikechukwu Ileoha, the group clarified that the so-called Ogbako Ndi Igbo has never been part of any recognized Igbo activities or engagements in the UK.

“The alleged spokesman, based in Manchester, already has a reputation for mischief, so it comes as no surprise that he would front such a baseless petition,” the statement noted.

The group stressed that Ndi Igbo in the UK have verifiable socio-cultural organizations that have consistently represented the genuine interests of Igbos in the diaspora through culture, education, and community development.

“These are authentic bodies people know and can identify with. We are not aware of any faceless association that suddenly appears just to issue press releases,” Ileoha added.

They further emphasized that several Igbo groups in the diaspora have worked closely with Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), expressing gratitude for her tireless service over the past six years.

According to the Progressive Igbos, both NIDO Africa and NIDO Europe chairpersons recently passed a strong vote of confidence in her leadership.

“They not only reaffirmed their trust in her but are already making arrangements to specially honour her for her remarkable service to Nigerians in the diaspora. These are genuine diaspora platforms with membership and structure, not phantom groups trading in sensationalism,” the statement said.

The group cautioned Nigerians at home and abroad against being misled by fabricated stories aimed at distracting the Diaspora Chairman from her work.

“Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa will continue to enjoy the confidence of Ndi Igbo who know her and work with her. No amount of blackmail or noise-making will change that truth,” the statement concluded.