My critics are noisemakers, lack understanding -Azuta-Mbata, Ohanaeze PG

Speaking during a courtesy visit on him by the Opobo Elder Statesmen-4-Sim, a support group for Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State in Port Harcourt, the state capital on Monday, Azuta-Mbata vowed never to deny his Igbo identity.

He also reiterated his support for the Governor Fubara, as well as respecting the office of the governor.

“I see my responsibility as building bridges. We must connect our people to a much larger platform for development,” Azuta-Mbata said, reaffirming his Igbo identity and harping on the importance of unity among ethnic groups.

“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,” Azuta-Mbata said.“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.”

The Ohanaeze President-General explained why the Ikwerre need to embrace their Igbo kinsmen.

“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.”