As the controversies and heat generated by the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide elections in Enugu last week continue to settle, members who took part in the elections have been giving insights into what transpired at the event.
The first controversy was about the candidature of Mr. Mike Okiro, a former Inspector-General of Police; the controversy was about his state of origin. He claimed that he is from Rivers State but there were counter-claims that he is Imo State, reports Daily Independent.
However, a group obtained a court order retraining Okiro from participating in the election and he subsequently withdrew from the election.
A few hours into the election, there was a report that Bar (Dim) Uche Okwukwu had been elected as president-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide. But many denied the report, describing it as false and misleading.
Later there were reports that Senator John Azuta-Mbata had been elected as president-general of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation.
However, speaking on elections, the erstwhile President-General of Ohanaeze Worldwide, Nze Fidelis Ozichukwu Chukwu, stated that there is only one Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and one National Executive Committee with one President General, namely Mbata.
According to him, “On the 10th of January 2025, at the Old Enugu State Government House, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide General Assembly met.
“In the course of the General Assembly, the Old National Executive Committee led by me was dissolved following a motion ably moved by Distinguished Senator Ben Ndi Obi Ojeligbo and supported by His Excellency Dr Ikedi Ohakim Ogbuji-Ngidi.
“Immediately thereafter, the Electoral Committee headed by Chief Onyia took over and conducted what many have described as ‘the most credible election ever’ in Ohanaeze.
“It was in the process that Distinguished Senator Azu Mbata emerged as the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide. All the institutions prescribed in the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide constitution for the election of National Executive Committee members were led to the General Assembly by their leaders, and no one was missing. It was an impressive melting pot of interests and values”.
He added that, “In one of the many congratulatory messages I have received, the very highly revered Prelate wrote, ‘Nze Ozichukwu, what you have done is an act of deliverance, of reconciliation and healing.” We need to move on to ensure unity of purpose, harmony of objectives, and convergence of values.”
Chukwu stressed the essence of Igbo unity, which according to him, includes but is not limited to preserve the rich heritage and cultural tradition, promote the unique identity and values, foster cooperative economics, driving growth and development and resolve conflicts and promote peace and stability and provide social support, ensuring no one is left behind
According to him, through unity, Ndigbo will harness their collective strength and promote shared interests, build a brighter future for themselves, their children, and generations to come, adding that Igbo unity will have profound impacts on individual and collective well-being, reinforcing pride and self-esteem and sense of belonging and identity, confidence and self-worth.
Chief Everest Ozonweke, coordinator, Ohanaeze, Southwest Region, concurred with Chukwu, stating that the election of president general was free and fair.
Eze Chris Offiah, praised the conduct of the election, adding every member of the organisation was allowed to cast their vote.
Sunday Ossai, the president of the Lagos State chapter of Ohanaeze, stated that Mbata was duly elected president general of the organization in a free and fair election.
Elected along Mbata were Deputy President General, Okey Nwadinobi (Abia State); Secretary General, Engr Emeka Sibeudu (Anambra State); Deputy Secretary General, Dan Okenyi (Delta State), Vice President General, Omeife Omeife Jideofor (Anambra State); Vice President General, Chief John Duru (Imo State); Vice President General, Dr. Ngozi Oleiime (Delta State); Vice President General: Dr. Peter Mbam (Ebonyi State); and Vice President General, Prof. Fred Eze (Enugu State).
Others were National Treasurer, Dr. Peter Chidera Aneke (Enugu State); Assistant National Treasurer, Nnanna Nwakwo (Rivers State); National Financial Secretary: Charles Kalu Nkata (Abia State); Assistant National Financial Secretary: Jane Nwanga (Ebonyi State); National Public Secretary, Dr. Ezechukwu Ezechi (Imo State); Assistant National Publicity Secretary, Bismarck Orji (Enugu State); National Legal Adviser, Barr Okeagu Ogada (Ebonyi State); and Assistant National Legal Adviser, Barr Chizoba Iheka (Imo State).
Meanwhile President Bola Tinubu, Southeast Governors’ Forum, Peter Obi, Governor Siminalayi of Rivers State, Southeast Senate Caucus, Adolphus Wabara, and others.
