In a significant turn of events, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the influential socio-cultural organization representing the Igbo people, has elected former Senator John Azuta-Mbata as its new President-General. The election, which took place on Friday at the General Assembly meeting in Enugu, saw Azuta-Mbata, who previously represented Rivers East in the National Assembly, succeed Nze Ozichukwu Fidelis Chukwu.
Chukwu’s appointment in December was to complete the tenure of Imo State, previously held by the late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.
The peaceful election process, marked by consensus, was attended by notable political figures, including Governors Peter Mbah of Enugu, Hope Uzodimma of Imo, and Charles Soludo of Anambra, with Ebonyi State’s Deputy Governor representing the state.
Alongside Azuta-Mbata’s election, Prince Okey Nwadinobi of Abia State was named National Deputy President, and Chief Emeka Sibeidu from Anambra was appointed Secretary-General.
Sibeidu, a former Deputy Governor of Anambra, brings significant political experience to the position.
In his acceptance speech, Azuta-Mbata expressed profound gratitude to the delegates for entrusting him with the role and promised to work tirelessly toward uniting the Igbo people. He emphasized that addressing critical issues affecting the Igbo community would be his top priority, and he vowed to outline his four-year manifesto in an upcoming press briefing.
The election marked a fresh chapter for Ohanaeze Ndigbo as Azuta-Mbata steps into the role, promising to steer the group towards greater unity and progress for the Igbos.
