KEY POINTS
- Senator John Azuta-Mbata is elected 13th President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
- Leaders emphasize unity as critical for Igbo progress and strength.
- Archbishop Chukwuma calls for global Igbo support for the new leadership.
Former Senator John Azuta Mbata has been elected as the new President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, one of Igbo foremost sociocultural organization.
He was elected Friday at the Old Government Lodge Enugu and 15 others were elected into various executive positions.
Fidelis Chukwu hands over to Azuta-Mbata, a senator who represented Rivers East Senatorial District in the Senate between 1999 and 2007, to become the 13th President-General. Chief Emeka Sibeudu, also the former Deputy Governor of Anambra State was elected Secretary General of the association when the latter was conducted by voice vote.
Unity at the forefront
Enugu State Governor Dr. Peter Mbah Speaking at the event said the time of agitation started as a result of separatists as well as in the spirit of unity.
Ohaneze Ndigbo, created in 1999 by 30 Igbo personalities as a technocrat not for pecuniary gain, did not allow politics or personal interests to stand between its line of vision and the collective interests of Ndigbo, and therefore, he urged the newly elected executives to do same.
Mbah said: “Our forebears set this organisation up to promote unity and brotherhood amongst Ndigbo.” Strength is in oneness, he said pointing out that past Igbo leaders like Dr. Michael Okpara displayed history of patriotism and altr Native leadership.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo is the soul of Igbo people and must be ready to act or there will be or lack of unity and progress, Mbah further emphasized.
Call for acceptance and support
Senator Azuta-Mbata thanked the governors of the Southeast region and the Igbo people for their confidence and support in his acceptance speech. He promised to adhere to Ohanaeze Ndigbo vision and making life better for all Igbo.
Retired Archbishop of Enugu Anglican Communion, Emmanuel Chukwuma, also asked Igbos the world over to support the new leadership. “Though, the election was a smooth, a transparent and widely accepted election.”
However it is now time for peace, unity, and progress in Igbo land,” he said while offering prayers for wisdom and guidance for the new executives.
The newly elected leaders face the significant task of fostering solidarity among Igbos globally and also advancing their collective interests in the socio-political landscape.
