UNIEC Issues Disclaimer Over Conflicting Name, Disassociates Pastor Obierika’s Factional Group

The leadership of the United Igbo Elders Council (UNIEC) Worldwide has issued a public disclaimer over the conflicting use of its name by its embattled former member, Pastor Michael Obierika, and has formally dissociated itself from the factional group he leads.

Pastor Obierika was earlier suspended from UNIEC Worldwide following conduct deemed to be in violation of the Council’s core principles and values. In a statement signed by the National Director of Media and Publicity, Prince Solomon Prince, on behalf of the Director-General of UNIEC Worldwide, His Lordship Justice Alpha Ikpeama, the Council clarified that it has no relationship whatsoever with Pastor Obierika or his associates. According to the statement: "It has come to our attention that Pastor Michael Obierika and his associates have registered an entity under the name United Igbo Elders Congress (UNIEC) Abuja. They are now falsely presenting themselves as representatives or affiliates of the United Igbo Elders Council (UNIEC) Worldwide. For the avoidance of doubt, UNIEC Worldwide has no connection whatsoever with this group. Any claims of affiliation with UNIEC Worldwide, under either of these names, acronyms, or abbreviations, by Pastor Obierika or his associates are false, misleading, and should be disregarded.” The Council reiterated that Pastor Obierika and his group are no longer recognized as members of the body, either at the national or diaspora level, and warned the general public against having dealings with them under the guise of the organization. "We categorically dissociate ourselves from Pastor Obierika’s group and any activities they may undertake, whether under the name UNIEC Abuja or falsely under UNIEC Worldwide. The general public is strongly advised that any individual, group, or organization engaging with Pastor Obierika or his associates under either of these names does so entirely at their own risk.” The statement further emphasized that the only recognized leadership of UNIEC Worldwide remains under His Lordship, Justice Alpha Ikpeama, and called on the Igbo nation to continue supporting the Council in achieving its core objectives.