…Says Ndigbo in Rivers ‘ve offered their best
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Former Senate President, Senator Adolphus Wabara, has lauded Senator John Azuta-Mbata over his emergence as the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
Senator Azuta-Mbata emerged Friday at the Ohanaeze election held in Enugu.
Reacting to his emergence, Senator Wabara said Azuta-Mbata, came at the right time to transform the leadership of Ohanaeze.
The former Senate President commended Ndigbo in Rivers State for presenting Azuta-Mbata as their candidate, saying they have given Ndigbo their best.
Wabara expressed confidence that Senator Azuta-Mbata would tap into his rich contacts and wealth of experience to move the Igbo nation forward.
He said: “Distinguished Senator Azuta-Mbata was a senator of the Federal Republic for eight years. He was not only a senator but chaired a powerful committee like the committee on Appropriation.
“He is well experienced and he has something to offer, and I think he is God-sent. He became a millionaire at the age of 18, and today he is 65 and counting.
“He has rich experience to lead Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide. Our brothers, the Igbo in Rivers State have given us their best. In the next four years, Senator Azuta-Mbata will bring his experience, integrity and pedigree to bear on Ohanaeze.
“I want to thank the good people of Rivers State, the Ikwere people and all those including Gov. Siminalayi Fubara, that made it possible for Rivers to participate in the Ohanaeze election.”
The former Senate President further posited that the emergence of Azuta-Mbata, an Ikwere man, had cleared the air on the needles controversy over the Igbo ancestry of the Ikwere people.
“The emergence of Azuta-Mbata from Rivers has put to rest all kinds of speculations and perceptions in the history of Ohaneze.”
Senator Wabara also commended Governors of Igbo-speaking states for their support to Ohanaeze Ndigbo, urging them to continue to work together as one people.
Wabara who predicted a brighter future for Ohanaeze under Azuta-Mbata, particularly thanked Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State for the successful hosting of the event, and for his many developmental strides.
The former Senate President also specially thanked Governor Hope Uzodinma, Chairman of South-East Governors Forum, “for his leadership qualities and his application of the Doctrine of Necessity in making the elections seamless and rancour free.
Wabara charged the new President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, and other members of the new executive to take the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation to greater heights.
He also solicited the cooperation and support of Ndigbo for the new leadership of Ohanaeze.
