President Bola Tinubu has extended his congratulations to Senator John Azuta-Mbata on his election as the new President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, the leading Igbo socio-cultural organization.
Azuta-Mbata, who represented Rivers East in the Senate from 1999 to 2007, was chosen as the organization’s leader during a meeting held in Enugu on Friday.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu praised the group for a smooth leadership transition and encouraged the new leadership to uphold the standards set by their predecessors.
“The President recognizes the critical role of socio-cultural organizations in nation-building; hence, his commitment to promoting dialogue among our ethnic nationalities,” Onanuga quoted.
Tinubu wished the newly elected Ohanaeze Ndigbo president success in his new role, describing it as an onerous yet noble and lofty task.
With this election, Azuta-Mbata succeeds Nze Ozichukwu Chukwu, who was appointed to complete the tenure of the late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu from Imo State. Azuta-Mbata was elected by consensus in an election witnessed by the Governors of Enugu, Imo, and Anambra States, as well as Senators Chris Ngige, Ben Obi, Victor Umeh, and other Igbo dignitaries.
Prince Okey Nwadinobi from Abia was elected the National Deputy President, while Chief Emeka Sibeidu former Anambra State deputy governor is the new Secretary General of the Igbo group. Chidera Anieke from Enugu State was elected National Treasurer, Ezechukwu Ezechi from Imo State was elected National Publicity Secretary, and Okey Ugwu from Ebonyi State was elected National Legal Adviser. The position of Deputy Secretary General went to Delta State and others.
Speaking on behalf of the newly elected executive, Azuta-Mbata thanked the outgoing President-General for his leadership and ability to organize elections for the new executives. He pledged to lead by example and called on the governors in the states that make up Ohanaeze Worldwide for support and collaboration to move the organization forward.
