Three governors, Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State, Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State, and Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, have endorsed Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s plan to attend the inauguration of President-elect, Bola Tinubu, on May 29, 2023. The statement was released on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, by the Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro. In his statement, Isiguzoro stated that the governors had “seconded their decision and are actively working with them to actualize it.”

Ohanaeze Ndigbo, as the apex socio-cultural body of the Igbo people, had earlier announced its intention to attend the inauguration of the President-elect, Tinubu. The organization maintained that the boycott of the event would not be strategic, but isolating to the Igbo people. It also stated that boycotting the event would give the impression that the Igbo people were at war with Tinubu.

Isiguzoro, in the statement, emphasized that Ohanaeze Ndigbo urged all Igbo people to remain law-abiding and avoid any confrontation with the incoming administration. He further stated that the Igbo people were mindful of their future and should avoid bitter and malicious politics against Tinubu.

He also emphasized that Ndigbo would “never play bad politics of bitterness and malice against President-Elect Tinubu.” Isiguzoro concluded his statement by disclosing that the three governors had not only endorsed Ohanaeze’s decision but had also resolved to ensure that the Igbo people were not left isolated and in the cold under Tinubu’s administration.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s decision comes as world leaders, including former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair and US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, congratulated Tinubu while their countries planned to attend his inauguration.