In A significant development, Senator John Azuta Mbata of Rivers State has been unanimously elected as the 13th President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization. The election was conducted through a consensus process in Enugu, with the chairman of the Ohanaeze electoral committee, Chief Ejiofor Onyia, announcing Mbata as the winner.
The general assembly of the Ohanaeze General Assembly meeting had earlier dissolved the old executive committee led by Nze Ozichukwu Chukwu, paving the way for the election of new leaders. Senator Chris Ngige moved the motion for the adoption of the consensus election process, which was seconded by Chief Enwo Igariwey.
Other newly elected executive committee members include:
- National Secretary General: Emeka Siebudu
- Deputy President General: Okey Nwadinobi
- National Treasurer: Peter Aneke
- National Publicity Secretary: Ezechukwu Ezechi
- National Legal Adviser: Okeagu Oguada
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The five Governors of the South East states, who attended the event, reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening and supporting Ohanaeze Ndigbo. Chairman of the South East Governors Forum and Governor of Imo state, Hope Uzodinma, emphasized the need for unity and harmony in moving the organization forward.
In his acceptance speech, Mbata pledged to reinvent the Igbo Assembly spirit and promote the interests of Ndigbo. He expressed gratitude to the Governors and the people of Ohanaeze Ndigbo for the opportunity to serve, promising not to disappoint them.
Mbata’s emergence as the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo marks a new chapter in the organization’s history, and his leadership is expected to promote unity, harmony, and progress among the Igbo people.