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The apex Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, on Friday elected former Senator John Azuta-Mbata as its new president general. Azuta-Mbata, a former representative of Rivers East in the National Assembly, emerged victorious during the Ohanaeze Ndigbo General Assembly meeting, which took place at the historic Old Government Lodge in Enugu State, marking a new chapter in the organization’s leadership.
The new president general, John Azuta-Mbata, will replace Nze Ozichukwu Fidelis Chukwu, who had been temporarily appointed last month to conclude the tenure originally designated to Imo State, a position previously held by the late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.
Azuta-Mbata was elected through consensus in a process attended by key dignitaries, including Governors Peter Mbah of Enugu State, Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, and Charles Soludo of Anambra State. Representing Ebonyi State at the election was its deputy governor, adding weight to the event’s significance.
Prince Okey Nwadinobi from Abia State emerged as the National Deputy President, while Chief Emeka Sibeidu from Anambra State assumed the role of Secretary General of the Igbo group. Sibeidu previously served as deputy governor under the administration of Willie Obiano in Anambra State, bringing considerable political experience to his new position.
In his acceptance speech, Azuta-Mbata expressed gratitude to the delegates for their trust and support, promising to work towards uniting the Igbo people and addressing pressing issues. He stated that he would soon unveil his manifesto for Ndigbo in the next four years.
Read also: Okwukwu, From Rivers State, Emerges Ohanaeze President-General
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Azuta-Mbata on his election as the President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide. Tinubu also congratulated the group on the successful transition, enjoining the new leaders to uphold the principles of their predecessors.
The president underscored the critical role of socio-cultural organisations in nation-building, stressing commitment to promoting dialogue among ethnic nationalities.
Tinubu in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Friday, wished the newly elected Ohanaeze Ndigbo president success as he takes on the onerous yet noble and lofty task.
