Olayiwola Oshunrinade
The mainstream apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, on Friday elected former Senator John Azuta-Mbata as its new President-General.
Azuta-Mbata, who represented Rivers East in the National Assembly, was chosen during the Ohanaeze Ndigbo General Assembly meeting held at the old Government Lodge in Enugu, the Enugu State capital.
He succeeds Nze Ozichukwu Fidelis Chukwu, who was appointed last month to complete the tenure of Imo State, previously occupied by the late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.
The new President-General emerged through consensus in an election witnessed by Governors Peter Mbah of Enugu State, Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, and Charles Soludo of Anambra State. Ebonyi State was represented by its Deputy Governor.
Prince Okey Nwadinobi from Abia State was elected National Deputy President, while Chief Emeka Sibeidu from Anambra State became the new Secretary-General of the Igbo group. Sibeidu previously served as Deputy Governor during the administration of Willie Obiano in Anambra State.
In his acceptance speech, Senator Azuta-Mbata expressed gratitude to the delegates for their trust and support. He promised to work towards uniting the Igbo people and addressing pressing issues.
He stated that he would address the press soon to outline his manifesto for Ndigbo over the next four years.
