Bayelsa State Commissioner for Special Duties, General Services, Mazi Onuma Johnson, has strongly denied reports alleging his involvement in a fight over the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Igweship of the State, describing the claims as “orchestrated falsehood” designed to tarnish his reputation.
In a statement released by his Special Assistant, Mr. Henry Odi, made available to journalists, Mazi Johnson expressed disappointment over the rapid spread of misinformation. “It is obvious that those who rush to the media to spread this falsehood are either uninformed about what actually transpired or intentionally decided to misinform the public just to score cheap points,” the statement read.
He emphasised that his track record of promoting peace and unity among Ndigbo in Bayelsa State speaks against such allegations.
The Commissioner dismissed the notion that he could be involved in any act that would cause disunity among the Igbo community in Bayelsa. He described the reports as “laughable,” asserting that his long-standing dedication to the welfare of Ndigbo in the state, both as a public servant and as a leader of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Bayelsa Chapter, makes the allegations implausible.
The statement also noted that the false reports are the result of envy and frustration from certain elements within the Igbo community in the State, who are disgruntled by his appointment to the Bayelsa cabinet by Governor Douye Diri.
According to the statement, “Those peddling this falsehood and their cohorts are disgruntled that Mazi Onuma was found worthy by the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, to serve in his cabinet. They are evidently out to go at any length to show their envy and penchant for painting innocent people black for their selfish reasons.”
The statement further states that the individuals behind the false information have a history of sabotaging the progress of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Bayelsa State Chapter. “They are always ready to throw mud at anyone who refuses to dance to their tune or let them have their way,” the statement continued. “This is exactly what they are, and there is no doubt they will go to any length to rubbish the innocent and those who mean well for the Igbos in Bayelsa.”
Furthermore, the statement reiterates that Johnson is a key figure in promoting the welfare of non-indigenes in Bayelsa State. Prior to his current position as Commissioner for Special Duties and General Services, he served as the Special Adviser to the Governor on Non-Indigene Matters. His contributions have included facilitating the recruitment of more diverse non-indigene members in community leadership, efforts widely seen as inclusive and beneficial to the diverse communities residing in Bayelsa.
“In his role as the President of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Bayelsa Chapter, a position he has held for three years, Mazi Johnson has worked tirelessly to foster unity among the Igbo people in the state. His tenure has been marked by efforts to uplift the socio-economic status of the community, and there has been no record of controversy or scandal attached to his leadership,” the statement added.
He categorically refuted the claims that he had tried to manipulate the process of selecting the Igweship of Bayelsa.
“Anyone who knows the modus operandi of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Bayelsa State Chapter will tell you that no single individual, no matter how highly placed, can force or manipulate the process of the selection of the socio-cultural organization’s leadership,” the statement clarified.
The statement also regretted the tendency of certain individuals to use the media as a tool for spreading misinformation. He advised those behind the false reports to redirect their energy toward more productive causes. “I equally advise those who deemed it necessary to run to some sections of the media to spread falsehood to desist. They should rather dedicate their time and energy to work for the progress of Ndigbo in Bayelsa State and Nigeria generally,” the statement concluded.
He urged the public to disregard these reports and focus on the collective progress of the Ndigbo community in Bayelsa and beyond.
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