Senator Kalu, S/ East Caucus congratulates new Ohanaeze Ndigbo President-General, Azuta-Mbata
By Tunde Opalana
Former Abia State Governor and Senator representing Abia North Senatorial Zone, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, has congratulated Senator John Azuta-Mbata on his emergence as President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
The election, held on Friday at the Old Government Lodge in Enugu, saw delegates from Rivers State unanimously nominating Azuta-Mbata for the position. His emergence follows the zoning of the role to Rivers State after the passing of Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu who represented Imo State.
Azuta-Mbata, the first Ikwerre native to serve as Rivers East Senator under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, assumes leadership at a pivotal moment for the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation.
He is also the first Rivers native to head Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
Kalu, who is the lawmaker representing Abia North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, in a statement on Sunday said that he was confident that Senator Azuta-Mbata would bring his wealth of experience into the role.
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“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you, Senator John Azuta-Mbata, on your emergence as the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
“Over the years, you have established yourself as a distinguished businessman, politician, and statesman, serving Rivers State and Nigeria with excellence and dedication.
“I am confident that your wealth of experience and expertise will greatly benefit this role. There is no doubt that you possess the necessary credentials to champion the cause of Ndi Igbo and strategically position the Igbo people within the complexities of today’s Nigerian politics.
“Please know that I remain fully committed to supporting you as we move forward together.”
Also, the South East Senate Caucus congratulated Senator Azuta Mbata on his emergence as the President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide.
In a statement in Abuja on Saturday, the leader of the Caucus, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe said Senator Mbata’s victory at the election during the Ohaneze General Assembly in Enugu, marks a milestone in the history of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation.
The caucus he said have firm confidence in Senator Mbata’s pedigree and leadership qualities that are solid enough to steer Ohaneze to achieve the much desired unity and development in Igboland and command the ability to also reach out to similar associations outside Igboland to enhance good relationship for the unity of Nigeria.
“We as a caucus have the confidence that Ohaneze as constituted under the leadership of Sen Mbata would weave the entire Igbo race cohesively together in unity, peace and make Ohaneze a veritable rallying point for Ndigbo wherever they may be.
“Such trajectory we believe would no doubt encourage, instill confidence and reinvigorate the ability of our people to pursue their individual and collective goal to achieve sustainable development for the overall benefit of Igboland and Nigeria.
“The caucus also lauds the delegates at the general assembly and the political leadership particularly the state governors for their unwavering commitment to support the New Ohaneze leadership to succeed”, Abaribe said.
The caucus congratulates the outgoing PG Nze Ozichukwu for leading Ohaneze to hand over the reigns of leadership to Senator Mbata in a peaceful election.
The caucus enjoins Ndigbo to give Senator Mbata and his executive full support in carrying out his mandate to restore the dignity and prosperity of Alaigbo.
