By Fidel Ozugha
A former Senator that represented Rivers East constituency has been elected President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
Delegates from Rivers State unanimously nominated the former senator, Chief Azka-Mbata on the basis of zoning the position to Rivers State.
Thus the election, held on Friday, 10 January 2025 at the Old Government Lodge in Enugu, saw Azuta-Mbata winning the position. His emergence follows after the passing of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, who represented Imo State.
L-R; Sen. Chris Nwabueze Ngige (fmr Governor of Anambra State), Sen. Adolphus Nwagbara (fmr Senate President), Chief Emmanuel Echiegbu (representing Ebonyi State Govt), Gov Charles Soludo of Anambra State,Gov. Alex Otti of Abia State, Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State, and the outgoing President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Nze Ozichukwu Chukwu, during the Ohanaeze Ndigbo General Assembly Meeting in Enugu on Friday, 10th December, 2025. Courtes of NAN
The Ohanaeze PG-elect was the first Ikwerre native to serve as Rivers East Senator under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) during Nigeria’s Fourth Republic. He is now to assume leadership at a pivotal moment for the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation.
Speaking after being declared winner, Chief Azuka-Mbata expressed gratitude for the confidence placed in him and pledged to foster unity among Igbo people and tackle key challenges facing the community.
His election as the 13th President General of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, though full of intrigues and high profile politics, is seen as a milestone in reinforcing inclusivity and regional representation within the Igbo-speaking regions. He succeeds Nze Fidelis Chukwu whose tenure has ended.
Speaking during the election, The host governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Mbah,, while speaking at the occasion, laid much emphasis on the importance of unity of Igbo nation. He therefore urged all to think always of the collective interests of Ndigbo above individual or partisan concerns.
The Governor noted that the socio-political circumstances that led to the creation of the pan-Igbo body in the 1970s have remained relevant today. and praised past Igbo leaders especially Dr Michael Okpara,. He highlighted their achievements and how patriotism, altruism, and a sense of brotherhood underpinned their 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 offers an opportunity for introspection regarding the noble vision that inspired our forebears to establish this organisation.
“The ties that bind us run deep and transcend geographical boundaries, for we share a common history and cultural heritage. Our forebears understood that unity is a formidable force.
“From the Igbo Federal Union to the Igbo State Union and the Igbo Forum, which eventually became Ohanaeze Ndigbo in 1979, the motivation was always to forge unity and brotherhood amongst the Igbo.
“For them, the collective interest was paramount, not narrow interests shaped by party affiliations or boundaries,” the Governor said.
The election which was done through voice voting produced other 15 members of the executive which included former Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Chief Emeka Sibeudu as the Secretary General.
All the governors of southeast states were there present except that of Ebonyi Statewho was represented by Chief Emmanuel Echiegbu. The retired Archbishop of Enugu Diocese of the Anglican Communion, Archbishop Emmanuel Chukwuma also witnessed the election. He handed over the newly elected leadership to God praying for His wisdom and guidance on the executive.
