By Magnus Aluma
Senator John Azuta-Mbata from Rivers State emerged the new President General of the organisation, following the expiration of the tenure of the immediate past Present General, Nze Ozichukwu Chukwu.
*_National Panel_* reports that the election which held on a consensus arrangement, took place at the old Goverment House, Enugu, following the dissolution of Nze Ozichukwu Chukwu-led executive, in a motion moved by Senator Ben Obi from Imo State.
This was also followed by a motion for the consensus candidature of all members of the newly elected executive, as moved by a former governor of Anambra State, Dr. Chris Nwabueze Ngige and seconded by a former President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Enwo Igariwey.
Senator John Azuta-Mbata was elected with fifteen other officers including, Okechukwu Nwadinobi, Deputy President-General, Emeka Sibeudu, National Secretary-General and Ezechukwu Ezechi who was elected as the new National Publicity Secretary, while Peter Aneke from Enugu State and Barrister Okeagu Ogada from Ebonyi State, were elected as National Treasurer and National Legal Adviser respectively.
In an address, chairman of the South East Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma, stressed the need to entrust the leadership of the apex Igbo Body on people with proven integrity.
His words: "the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo must be entrusted to individuals with proven track records and the capacity to foster unity within the Igbo community."
Governor Uzodinma thanked members of the electoral committee, headed by Chief Ejiofor Onyia, for an orderly and peaceful conduct of the election, and urged the newly elected officials to strive to justify the confidence reposed in them by the people.
In his acceptance speech, the new President-General, expressed gratitude to the delegates for entrusting him with the responsibility.
He said that his administration will not relent in its commitment towards advancing the course of Igbo unity, and ensure that the status of the Igbo people is elevated.
According to him, "under my leadership, Ohanaeze would work toward elevating the status of the Igbo people, ensuring they take their rightful place in Nigeria’s national affairs."
He further said, “I thank you for the trust you have placed in me. I am committed to working with a dedicated team to serve our people. I promise you that with the support of our governors and leaders, we will uphold the values of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and work towards making Ndigbo proud once again.”
Senator Azuta-Mbata became the 13th President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo. His election has become a turning point in the history of the Igbo apex group. The first person outside the core Igbo territory to clinch the highly coveted position.
