Admin I Monday, October 06, 2025
AWKA, Anambra – The executives of the Association of Non-Indigenes in Anambra State (ANIAS), along with its Elders’ Executive Council, have firmly declared that the only officially recognized and registered body representing non-indigenes in the state is ANIAS, under the leadership of its President, Prince Chigozie Nweke.
In a statement released on Monday, jointly signed by Prince Chigozie Nweke (President), Alhaji Muhammad Musa Jidda (First Vice President), and Alhaji Tijani Suberu (Second Vice President), ANIAS warned against any individual parading himself as the “Igwe of Non-Indigenes”, emphasizing that no such title or position exists within the association.
ANIAS in a statement said that there is no plans by the executive, elders council and entire members to endorse governor Charles Soludo re-election tomorrow.
The statement said that at appropriate time,the endorsement of Soludo would be made public by ANIAS, noting that person or group planing to endorse Soludo on shelf if the association was fraudulent,with intention to mislead the government.
“We will make public and mobilize members for the programme,when we are done with our plans ” he said
According to the leadership and elders of the association, the issue of “Igwe-ship” has caused significant problems in the past. However, it has been conclusively resolved, and it is now officially established that no such role exists within ANIAS.
The statement condemned ongoing attempts by certain disgruntled individuals to impersonate ANIAS leadership and sow discord among its members.
The association clarified that ANIAS is the only organization of non-indigenes officially recognized by the Anambra State Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Town Union Affairs. It noted that all required documentation has been submitted and a certificate of recognition formally issued by the state government.
With a membership base exceeding 1.5 million individuals from across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, ANIAS remains the sole legitimate platform acknowledged by non-indigenes in Anambra State,united under the leadership of Prince Nweke.
The statement categorically condemned efforts by impostors and political opportunists who, under false pretenses, have been presenting themselves as leaders of the non-indigene community. These individuals, the association warned, are deliberately trying to destabilize the peaceful coexistence currently enjoyed by non-indigenes in Anambra State for their own selfish interests.
“We want to make it unequivocally clear that ANIAS, under the leadership of Prince Chigozie Nweke, is the only umbrella organization for non-indigenes that is duly constituted, legally registered, and actively collaborating with the Anambra State Government for the welfare and integration of non-indigenes,” the statement read.
The association stated that its leadership was unanimously elected by members from both northern and southern regions, with the mandate to promote unity, encourage peaceful cohabitation with host communities, and contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of Anambra State.
ANIAS also urged the Anambra State Government and security agencies to investigate and prosecute individuals impersonating the association’s leadership, warning that such actions not only undermine the organization but also threaten state harmony and inter-ethnic unity.
“We will not allow any form of division among non-indigenes in Anambra State. We stand united in peace, and we shall resist any attempt to erode the mutual understanding we have built with host communities and the state government,” the statement added.
