Obiozor Emerges Ohanaeze Ndigbo President

Ambassador George Obiozor has emerged President-General of the apex Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

Obiozor was elected after polling a total of 304 votes in the Ohaneze election that took place in Owerri, capital of Imo State over the weekend.

His emergence follows the tenure expiration of the Chief Nnia Nwodo-led executive of Ohaneze Ndigbo.

The Ohaneze election followed a motion by A. B. C. Nwosu, seconded by Ben Obi, dissolving the John Nwodo-led executive of the organization.

Thereafter, Gary Igariwey, the chairman of the Electoral Committee, said the committee had adopted an open process in the form of Option A4 for the balloting to promote the transparency and credibility of the process.

However, three of the contestants – Chukwunyere Nwaebo, Goddy Uwazuruike and Uju Okoro – stepped down for Mr Obiozor before voting began.

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The electoral committee had said three of the eight persons who picked the nomination form did not return the forms. They were Chidi Osuagwu, Chris Asoluka, and Joe Nworgu.

That left only two contestants in the race – Mr. Obiozor and Mr. Oparaocha

Sam Ohuabunwa was then invited to moderate the election and voting was done on a state by state basis, starting with Abia State.

Former CBN Deputy Governor's Congratulatory Message

Professor Kingsley Moghalu, former Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has felicitated with Prof. George Obiozor on his election as the President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo.

Moghalu said “Obiozor possesses the requisite leadership experience, global exposures and intellectual pedigree for the socio-cultural leadership of Ndigbo at this critical period in Nigeria’s quest for nationhood,” 

Moghalu, a former presidential candidate of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) in the 2019 general elections, expressed confidence in the leadership of Obiozor to foster unity and progress of the Igbo people.

“I am confident his leadership of Ohaneze will foster an emphasis on strategic thinking and action, positive value systems to govern Igbo society,” he emphasized.

However, Moghalu advised him to foster effective partnerships with other ethnic nationalities to build a nation anchored on equality, justice and equity.

APC's Congratulatory Message

The All Progressives Congress in a statement issued on behalf of its caretaker chairman, Governor Mai Mala Buni, signed by Sen. John J. Akpan Udoedehe, the caretaker national secretary said “Our great party congratulates former Nigerian Ambassador to the United States of America, Prof. George Obiozor on his election.

“We also congratulate the outgoing Chief John Nwodo executive for his mature and patriotic leadership of Ohanézè Ndígbo.

“Going by his distinguished service to the nation, Obiozor’s experience and suitability for the strategic position of President-General of Ohanézè Ndígbo is not in doubt.

“The Party hereby urges Ndigbo to support Obiozor to fulfil the mandate of the organisation.

“The APC Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) under the leadership of Governor Mai Mala Buni is determined to consolidate on the ongoing efforts to further mainstream the southeast geo-political zone in the workings of the governing APC and place the zone in its deserved political standing in the country.

“While the APC is ready to partner and work with the new leadership of Ohanézè Ndígbo towards our shared development, we are also confident that the new leadership will be a bastion for the unity and tolerance all Nigerians should imbue for the peace and progress of the nation.