By Sunny A. David, Awka
A former member of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. George Okoye, has raised concerns over what he described as growing tensions between Igbo traders and Chinese business interests in Nigeria.
Okoye, who represented Njikoka State Constituency in the state legislature, made the remarks in a statement dated Thursday, September 17, 2026, warning that the situation could extend beyond ordinary commercial competition and political disagreements.
According to him, the increasing involvement of Chinese traders in Nigeria’s distributive trade could affect the position traditionally occupied by Ndigbo in the sector.
The former lawmaker also referred to incidents involving African immigrants in South Africa, drawing comparisons with an episode concerning the reported installation of an Igbo traditional ruler among the diaspora and the subsequent emergence of a Chinese figure in the same context.
Okoye said he viewed the development as part of a broader pattern of tension involving Chinese interests and African immigrant communities, although he did not provide independent evidence to substantiate the alleged connection.
He further gave the issue a religious dimension, quoting a passage from 2 Corinthians 10:3, which states, “We do not war after the flesh.”
Okoye claimed that he had identified what he described as “three altars” linked to a spiritual network in Aroh-Ndimmili and said he was working towards dismantling them.
He also recalled activities he said he undertook during the COVID-19 pandemic, describing them as efforts intended to counter what he perceived at the time as forces working against China during the period of severe lockdowns and travel restrictions in mainland China and Hong Kong.
He questioned whether the tensions he now perceives could be connected to what he described as his earlier support for the Chinese people.
The former legislator said he had also alerted a prominent member of the Igbo community in Lagos, identified as Mbuze Mbaukwu, about the seriousness of the situation.
Okoye subsequently called for greater mobilisation among Ndigbo, stressing that, in his view, the issue should not be addressed solely through street protests or placard demonstrations.
“All hands on deck,” he declared.
