The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has appointed Prince Richard Ozobu to head the national election committee.
Ohanaeze said the decisive step was initiated with the express aim of ensuring a seamless transition of leadership from Imo State to Rivers State by January 2025.
The announcement, the body stated, is a salient consequence of an important conclave convened by the Ohanaeze Elders’ Council and the Concerned Statutory Imeobi Members in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, from December 17 to December 18, 2024.
This was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the factional Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Okechukwu Isiguzoro and made available to DAILY POST.
According to the statement, Ohanaeze has galvanized its collective commitment to the protection and enhancement of the Ndigbo Constitution.
It read: “We extend our profound gratitude and commendation to Ndigbo for their unwavering resolve and unity amid adversity.
“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.”
Ohanaeze noted that, in accordance with Articles 10 and 11 of the 2004 Ohanaeze Constitution, it has announced the meticulous formation of an 11-member electoral committee, under the leadership of Ozobu.
Ozobu’s stellar credentials, including a background as a USA-trained Chartered Accountant, former Deputy Board Chairman of the defunct Cooperative and Commerce Bank,CCB, as well as a long-standing member of Imeobi Ohanaeze Ndigbo since 2000, uniquely qualify him to spearhead the committee.
The members comprise an illustrious group of scholars, professionals, and respected leaders within the seven Igbo-speaking states, including: Professor Chibuikeya Achoakawa, Professor Achi Achi, Prince Dr. Christian Dimkpa, Dr. (Mrs.) Onyekpe Cheryl Ndidi, Barrister Uka Onwuka Okocha, Reverend Fineman Luke Ngwakwe, Mazi Obinna Okehie Collins, Barrister Sylvester Nwogu, Hon. Ochieze Chinedu Peter, and Dr. Ndukwe Kalu Egwu.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo unequivocally reaffirms its steadfast dedication to facilitating the astute work of the committee while ensuring their autonomy, uninhibited by external interference or coercion, especially from political elites.
“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.”
Richard Ozobu to head Ohanaeze Ndigbo National Election Committee