Ohaneze Election: Igbos Happy With Emergence of Senator Mbata – High Chief Okeugo, President IDA

From Paul Orude Bauchi

The President of Igbo Delegates Assembly (IDA), Chief Kenneth O. Okeugo JP, has described the election of  Senator John Azuta Mbata  as President General of Ohaneze Ndi Igbo as a welcome development that has put paid to speculations that an Ikwerre  man from Rivers State will not be given chance to lead the Igbo world wide

“The Ohaneze election went well and I am happy to have participated actively representing the north as one of  the electoral officers that carried out the election,” Okeugo said.

High Chief Okeugo, who is the President of the Igbos in the 19 northern state and FCT and the traditional prime minister of Amaoba ikputu Oboro Autonomous Community of Abia State, made this known in a press statement made available to journalists  in Bauchi on Monday.

“It is so good to know that the  Igbos world-wide came out to elect Senator John Azuta Mbata. as President General. 

“It was a wonderful experience and that has also put paid to several speculations, several thoughts that are not good for the Igbo notion. People were speculating that Rivers State will not be given a chance.

“It came to pass that Senator John Mbata, an Ikwerre man, was elected unanimously, accepted  by everybody. 

“It is a very good one  l know he will not fail, because he is such an exposed man, having been a senator and participated actively in  what is happening in Rivers and the nation and with people around him like Dr. Ngozi Olejeme, who is one of the Vice Presidents, such a wonderful and patriotic dedicated woman.

“The Igbo nation will go far ahead because these are people that have been tested in this arena especially when it involves  Igbo people.

“So I am very happy we in the north celebrated this singular election and for the privilege of participating and great thanks go to  Nze Fidelis Ozo Chukwu,  the immediate past President General who against all  odds carried out an election that was very transparent and acclaimed to be just. 

“I am very happy for people like that. And also l will not forget Ambassador Okay Amutchey, the immediate past Secretary general who stood firm against all pressure from all corners especially when we lost the former two presidents. 

“Amutchey stood firm and piloted affairs until the ship got to where we are today.

“I will also not forget people like Gary Igariwey, former President General . 

“He has been there for the Igbos totally. Such men are very patriotic and are not easy to get in our society this days, and the governors too who stood firm and supported the whole process, not getting involved or trying to manipulate from background. No. They stood firm and also helped to midwife this particular election to success 

“I must also thank my Igbo brothers especially those from the north who came out enmass to participate and elect this great man. I know definitely the cause of Igbo nation will change with him at the saddle. We all will move in one step”