…Gov Mbah Harps on Igbo Unity, Collective Interest
Apex Igbo sociocultural organization Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has elected the former member representing Rivers East senatorial district, Senator John Azuta-Mbata as the new president-general of the organisation.
Azuta-Mbata hails from Obio Akpor local government area of Rivers, whose turn it is to occupy the PG position of Ohanaeze Ndigbo. He will be succeeding Fidelis Ozichukwu Chukwu, whose tenure has ended.
The election, held on Friday, January 10, 2025 at the old government lodge Enugu, Enugu State, saw the new executive members emerging through a consensus.
Ohanaeze: Gov Mbah Harps on Igbo Unity, Collective Interest
Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, stressed the need for a strong and united front by Ndigbo, urging all to put the Igbo interest above narrow interests and partisan politics.
Mbah noted that the socio-political circumstances that gave birth to the pan-Igbo body remained relevant in present-day Nigeria as they were in the 1970s.
He extolled the leadership pedigrees of Igbo leaders such as Dr. Michael Okpara, whom he said demonstrated how so much could be achieved when patriotism, altruism, and sense of brotherhood are at the core of leadership.
“We may be gathered here for the crucial task of electing members into the National Executive Committee of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, but this epic event yet offers a room for introspection, regarding the noble vision that inspired our forebears towards its founding.
“The ties that bind us run deep and transcend geographical boundaries, for we are bound by a common history and cultural heritage. Our forebears clearly understood this. They understood, as well, that unity is a formidable force.
“From the Igbo Federal Union to the Igbo State Union and the Igbo Forum that would later become Ohanaeze Ndigbo in 1979, the motivation had always been the desire to forge unity and deep brotherhood amongst the Igbo.
“For them, the collective interest was all that mattered; not narrow interest shaped by party affiliation and boundary lines.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo represents the soul of our people, and is firmly anchored on the conviction that we are stronger together. That soul of the people is our unifying force.
“The socio-political circumstances that gave birth to Ohanaeze Ndigbo are as relevant today as they were in the 1970s. So, we’d never needed this group more than we do today.
“Our founders and forebears were great men and women ahead of their time. They left for us a glimpse of how much that can be achieved when fostering brotherhood is the defining essence of leadership.
“The Premiers of the old Eastern Region, who governed from here, left indelible imprints visible in Enugu as much as in towns like Port Harcourt, Abakaliki, Owerri, Aba, Onitsha, Umuahia, etc.
“That is the definition of statesmanship. Our forebears were statesmen, who appreciated the expediency of rising above partisan politics when the call of unity beckoned.
We will certainly achieve far more when we fully embrace the value of speaking as a collective voice – not as lone, discordant voices,” he stated.
The election process was conducted via voice voting, and alongside Azuta-Mbata, 15 other individuals were elected to various executive positions within the organisation.
As a former senator, Azuta-Mbata brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having served as a senator for the Rivers East constituency from 1999 to 2007.
In his acceptance speech, Sen. Azuta-Mbata expressed gratitude to the delegates for their trust and support, promising to work towards uniting the Igbo people and addressing pressing issues.
A former deputy governor of Anambra State, Chief Emeka Sibeudu, was elected as the new Secretary-General.
In the election, Governors Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, Alex Otti of Abia State, Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State and Peter Mbah of Enugu State, were present during the election that saw eminent Igbo personalities present.