Richard Ozobu heads Ohanaeze panel to elect Iwuanyanwu’s full successor
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Ohanaeze Ndigbo has picked Richard Ozobu to head the national election committee of comprising 11 members to elect in a new president-general who will fully succeed Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu who died in July.
The job is currently filled in a holding position by Fidelis Chukwu (from Imo, to complete the tenure of Iwuanyanwu) and the aim is to ensure a seamless transition of leadership from Imo to Rivers by January 2025, according a statement issued by Ohanaeze Secretary General Okechukwu Isiguzoro
The move is sequel to a conclave convened by Ohanaeze Elders’ Council and Concerned Statutory Imeobi Members in Abakaliki on December 17 and 18.
The statement, which was issued on Wednesday, announced that Ohanaeze has galvanised its collective commitment to protect and enhance the Ndigbo constitution.
“We extend our profound gratitude and commendation to Ndigbo for their unwavering resolve and unity amid adversity,” it said.
“This unyielding spirit has been indispensable in sustaining the integrity of our constitution, fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders, and securing Rivers State as the birthplace of the next President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.”
Isiguzoro explained that the body formed an 11-member electoral committee headed by Ozobu in accordance with Articles 10 and 11 of the 2004 Ohanaeze constitution.
He listed Ozobu’s credentials to include being an American-trained Chartered Accountant, former Deputy Board Chairman of the defunct Cooperative and Commerce Bank (CCB) as well as a member of Imeobi Ohanaeze Ndigbo since 2000, all of which qualify him to head the committee.
According to him, other members of the panel comprise respected persons drawn from the seven Igbo-speaking states – Professor Chibuikeya Achoakawa, Professor Achi Achi, Christian Dimkpa, Onyekpe Cheryl Ndidi, Uka Onwuka Okocha, Fineman Luke Ngwakwe, Obinna Okehie Collins, Sylvester Nwogu, Ochieze Chinedu Peter, and Ndukwe Kalu Egwu.
Ohanaeze reaffirms its steadfast dedication to facilitating the work of the committee while ensuring its autonomy, uninhibited by external interference, especially from political actors.
“Our mission is resoundingly clear: to usher in a new National Executive Committee, led by a President-General hailing from Rivers State.
“The successful conclave of the Ohanaeze Elders and Imeobi serves as the bedrock from which we anticipate our newly appointed national electoral team to cultivate a vibrant and effective new leadership.
“Our unwavering confidence in this committee is rooted in their capacity to uphold our collective aspirations, ensuring the birth of a credible leadership unmarred by impositions from the Igbo political elite, particularly the Southeast governors.
“As we move forward on this pivotal journey of reinvigorated leadership, we earnestly implore all Igbo governors to honor the original charter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo as a socio-cultural entity.
“We must consciously extricate ourselves from the coiling tendrils of mere political maneuvering that have recently endangered our esteemed legacy.
“We have observed concerted efforts by certain political actors to co-opt Ohanaeze Ndigbo for their agendas, particularly in the lead-up to the 2027 elections. This trend is not only unacceptable; it is one that we must assertively denounce.
“It is our solemn duty to safeguard our organisation from political subversion aimed at imposing a favored candidate with nebulous affiliations to both Imo and Rivers States.
“As we embark on this critical pathway towards renewed leadership, we extend a clarion call to all Igbos – both within Nigeria and across the globe—to unite in unwavering support of Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s mission.”
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