The leadership of the Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, remains embroiled in controversy following a factional election that saw Uche Okwukwu emerge as President-General, just hours after Sen. Azuta Mbata’s election to the same position in Enugu.
Okwukwu’s victory in Port Harcourt has stirred up tensions, with the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPoB) voicing strong support for his candidacy, despite opposition from political figures in the South-East.
Emma Powerful, Media and Publicity Secretary of IPoB, clarified that while the group was not involved in the pre-election controversies, it strongly opposed the candidacy of former Inspector-General of Police, Mike Okiro, due to his lack of affiliation with an Igbo-speaking part of Rivers State.
Powerful emphasized that only candidates from Rivers State should be allowed to participate in the election.
“Anybody or group trying to drag Chief Mike Okiro into contesting against Rivers State Igbo was trying to foment trouble, and IPoB would give that person or group back the problem they were clamoring for,” Powerful declared in a statement to Sunday Vanguard. “We made it clear that this time, Igbo governors and politicians must allow Ohanaeze Ndigbo to operate as a respected socio-cultural organization, not as the errand boy and political wing of the South-East Governors Forum.”
IPoB further warned South-East governors against subverting the will of the people, adding that the election results must be respected. “We are happy and IPoB hails the election of Uche Okwukwu as the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide. We warn South-East and other Igbo governors not to subvert the will of the people,” Powerful reiterated.
In contrast, former Senate President Sen. Adolfus Wabara lent his support to Sen. Azuta Mbata, highlighting his wealth of experience and leadership skills.
Wabara praised Mbata for his role as a former senator and chair of the powerful Appropriation Committee, calling him “God-sent” to lead the organization.
“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,” Wabara said. “I think he is God-sent. He became a millionaire at the age of 18. Today, he is 65 and counting.”
Wabara also commended the Rivers State government and Governor Siminalayi Fubara for supporting Mbata’s candidacy, stating that Mbata’s leadership would unite the Igbo people and advance their collective interests.
“I want to thank the good people of Rivers State, the Ikwere people, and all those, including Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who made it possible for Rivers to participate in the Ohanaeze election,” Wabara said.
Meanwhile, Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah offered congratulations to the newly elected Ohanaeze leadership, describing their victory as a collective one for the Igbo people.
Mbah expressed optimism that the new executive would meet the expectations placed upon them.
“I would like to start by heartily congratulating you all, on behalf of the government and the people of Enugu State, on your election to lead this important organization,” Mbah said when receiving the newly elected officials. “I can only imagine the weight of expectations that must be on your shoulders now.”
