Senator John Mbata, the President-General of the Igbo socio-political group Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has asserted that no one can ever strip him of his Igbo identity, calling recent criticisms directed at him a result of misunderstanding.

He reiterated his commitment to supporting Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and upholding the respect for the governor’s office.

Mbata made these comments during a courtesy visit from the Opobo Elder Statesmen-4-Sim in Port Harcourt on Monday, dismissing the criticisms as misguided noise from those who lack understanding.

Read Also: List Of States Predicted To Experience Delayed Rainfall

He stated, “I see my responsibility as building bridges. We must connect our people to a much larger platform for development,” even as he reaffirmed his Igbo identity and the importance of unity among ethnic groups.

The Ohanaeze President-General said, “Some people say they are from Benin, that their ancestry is Benin. And I say, That’s fine. Let’s go there. We say that we have a relationship with the Igbo. I’m not going to deny my Igbo identity.

“Anyhow you like, talk from now till tomorrow; I’m not going to deny my ancestry.

“We are related.  Why are you shouting me down? I bet you these things will just naturally die down. I didn’t answer anybody because I see my responsibility as building bridges. People will, by and large, understand what we are doing.

“We must operate at the highest stage of this Nigerian project. We have to be able to access the powers that be.

“We must enjoy support from another perspective. Politics is played from Abuja and not here. It’s when they finish from Abuja that they come here. I won’t say everything today. A word, they say, is enough for the wise.”

For More Information And News Update, Join Informant Online WhatsApp Channel With Link Below:

https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaihFajBadmT29ufud2Z