Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The South-East Senate Caucus has lauded Senator John Azuta-Mbata who represented Rivers East senatorial district from 1999-2007, on his emergence as the new President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
Senator Azuta-Mbata, a lawyer, emerged Friday at the election of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation in Enugu.
Leader of the South-East Senate caucus, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, in a statement Saturday, described Senator Mbata’s victory at the election as the dawn of a new era in Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
The statement said Senator Azuta-Mbata had something to offer in transforming Ohanaeze and helping it to actualise its purpose.
It read: “We have firm confidence in Senator Mbata’s pedigree and leadership qualities that are solid enough to steer Ohanaeze to achieve the much desired unity and development in Igboland.
“He commands 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 Ohanaeze as constituted under the leadership of Senator Mbata would weave the entire Igbo race cohesively together in unity, peace and make Ohanaeze 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 commended the delegates at the General Assembly and the political leadership particularly the State Governors for their unwavering commitment to support the New Ohanaeze leadership to succeed.
It congratulated the outgoing PG, Nze Ozichukwu Chukwu for leading Ohanaeze to hand over the reigns of leadership to Senator Mbata in a peaceful election.
The caucus enjoined Ndigbo to give Senator Mbata and his executive full support in carrying out his mandate to restore the dignity and prosperity of Alaigbo.
