The President-General of the Igbo socio-political organization, ‘Ohanaeze Ndigbo’, Senator John Mbata, has firmly stated that nothing will ever deny his Igbo identity, describing recent criticisms against him as a lack of understanding.
According to him I will never deny my Igbo identity. If you are from Benin and claim your ancestry is Benin, that’s perfectly fine. Embrace it. We acknowledge our relationship with the Igbo, and I stand firmly in my Igbo heritage. No matter how much anyone talks, I will not deny my ancestry. I’m proudly rooted in Ikwerre Igboland.
Mbata expressed his unwavering commitment to supporting Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and respecting the office of the governor, during a courtesy visit by the Opobo Elder Statesmen-4-Sim in Port Harcourt on Monday.
He dismissed the criticisms as mere noise from those lacking understanding, emphasizing his role in building bridges and connecting people to a larger platform for development. Mbata reaffirmed his Igbo identity and the importance of unity among ethnic groups.
He stated, “I see my responsibility as building bridges. We must connect our people to a much larger platform for development. Anyhow you like, talk from now till tomorrow; I’m not going to deny my ancestry.”
Mbata highlighted the need to operate at the highest stage of the Nigerian project and access the powers that be, recognizing that politics is played from Abuja. He emphasized the importance of enjoying support from different perspectives.
Earlier, Edwin Cockeye-Brown, Chairman of Opobo Elder Statesmen-4-Sim, congratulated Mbata on his electoral victory and expressed gratitude for his unwavering support for Governor Fubara during the impeachment attempt, noting the long-standing relationship between the Mbata family and the Opobo people.
Cockeye-Brown praised Mbata’s steadfastness during political challenges, affirming that his election as President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo was divinely ordained. Rivers State Chairman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Livingstone Wechie, also lauded the visit as historic, celebrating Mbata’s leadership of over 100 million Ndigbo worldwide.
Wechie remarked, “Today, we have the tallest Ikwerre son, both in height and stature, to lead more than one 100 million Ndigbo all over the world. This is the stone that the builders rejected, now the chief cornerstone.”
Chief Lawrence Oko-Jaja, SAN, emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration among communities, highlighting Mbata’s integrity and commitment to advancing the interests of his Ikwerre people both locally and internationally.
The delegation expressed their eagerness to work together to promote peace, development, and cultural heritage, reinforcing their belief that under Mbata’s guidance, Ohanaeze Ndigbo will continue to thrive and serve as a strong voice for his people.
