The Bayelsa State Commissioner for Special Duties and General Services, Mazi Onuma Johnson, has denied allegations of involvement in a fight over the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Igweship in the state.
Johnson described the reports as “orchestrated falsehood” designed to tarnish his reputation. He expressed disappointment over the rapid spread of misinformation, highlighting his track record of promoting peace and unity among Ndigbo in Bayelsa State.
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.
As President of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Bayelsa Chapter, 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, according to Nigerian Tribune.
The commissioner categorically refuted claims of manipulating the Igweship selection process. He emphasized that the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Bayelsa State Chapter’s leadership selection is a transparent process that cannot be influenced by any individual.
Johnson attributed the false reports to envy and frustration from certain elements within the Igbo community, who are disgruntled by his appointment to the Bayelsa cabinet by Governor Douye Diri.
The commissioner advised those spreading false reports to redirect their energy toward more productive causes. He urged the public to disregard the reports and focus on the collective progress of the Ndigbo community.
Johnson’s dedication to the welfare of Ndigbo and his inclusive efforts in community leadership have earned him recognition. His role as Commissioner for Special Duties and General Services is part of Governor Diri’s executive council.
The Bayelsa State government has assured its commitment to promoting peace and unity among all ethnic groups in the state.
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.
