Ohanaeze Sets Up Electoral Committee, Insist Power Shift to Rivers
Benjamin Nworie in Abakaliki
Ahead of the January 2025 election, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Wednesday set up 11-man Electoral Committee headed by Prince Dr. Richard Ozobu and Prof. Chibuikeya Achoakawa as Secretary to oversee the election of new executive of the group by January 2025.
In a statement issued by the Secretary General of organization, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the body said that the decision followed an influential meeting convened by the Ohanaeze Elders Council and Imeobi Members in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.
Ohanaeze noted that the initiative was geared towards ensuring a seamless transition of leadership from Imo State to Rivers State by January 2025.
According to the body: “the esteemed apex socio-cultural organization of the Igbo people, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, is honored to announce the critical formation of the National Elections Committee for the 2025 elections and this pivotal initiative is geared towards ensuring a seamless transition of leadership from Imo State to Rivers State by January 2025”.
“The decision follows an influential meeting convened by the Ohanaeze Elders Council and the Concerned Statutory Imeobi Members in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State on December 17 and 18, 2024 and we collectively reinforced our unwavering commitment to upholding and enriching the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Constitution”.
“In strict conformity with the provisions elucidated in Articles 10 and 11 of the 2004 Ohanaeze Constitution, we have meticulously assembled an 11-member Electoral Committee that is charged with the solemn responsibility of leading this electoral process”.
“We are privileged to have Prince Dr. Richard Ozobu at the helm of this committee. Dr. Ozobu brings an exemplary array of credentials to his leadership role, including being a USA-trained Chartered Accountant, a former Deputy Board Chairman of the defunct Cooperative and Commerce Bank (CCB), a former Board Member of the University of Maiduguri”.
“A steadfast member of the Imeobi Ohanaeze Ndigbo since 2000. His comprehensive expertise in financial management and governance is expected to galvanize this committee toward conducting transparent, credible, and fair elections”.
“This diverse ensemble of scholars, professionals, and respected leaders epitomizes a wealth of experience and prudence, effectively positioning them to guide Ohanaeze Ndigbo into a transformative era of leadership that authentically represents the voices and aspirations of Ndigbo both domestically and within the broader diaspora”.
“Our resolute objective is succinct: to oversee the emergence of a new National Executive Committee, with a President-General hailing from Rivers State”.
“As we embark upon this crucial journey toward renewed leadership, we earnestly implore all Igbos, both within Nigeria and across the globe, to unite in unwavering support of Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s mission.
“Your voices, participation, and engagement are invaluable as we collectively strive to ensure that our organization’s legacy flourishes, enriching the cultural, social, and political tapestry of our great nation”.
