The Prince Dr Richard Ozobu-led Ohanaeze Ndigbo 2025 Election Committee has announced new members of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the apex Igbo body.
Ozobu announced this in a statement issued to journalists on Monday, alongside the Secretary of the Committee, Prof Chibuikeya Achokawa.
He said the new members of the Ohanaeze leadership emerged unopposed.
According to the statement, Dr Jackson Omenazu from Rivers State emerged President General, while Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro from Abia State was the Deputy President General.
Other members of the NEC are: Engr Abbas Chinedu, Secretary General, Chief Chinenyeze Thompson Ohia, National PRO/Spokesman, Ambassador Kingsley C. Ekwenye, National Vice President General (Anambra), Chief Dr Alexander Chikalue Okemiri, National Vice President General (Ebonyi), Barr Sylvester Nwogu, National Vice president General (Imo) and Prof Iheanacho Agboti, National Legal adviser.
In his acceptance speech, Omenazu vowed to resist attempt by desperate politicians to hijack the Igbo body.
While noting that his emergence was in accordance with the 2004 Ohanaeze Constitution, he stressed that “it is the rightful turn of indigenous Igbo of Rivers State to occupy the position of Ohanaeze President General.
“This is a historical event as all injustices meted against the indigenous Igbo of Rivers State have been reversed. We have recovered our Igbo National identity, as a bona fide indigene of Igbo of Rivers State has emerged as the newly elected President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo since the end of the Biafra war 55 years ago.
“Igbos in Rivers State are fully blooded Igbo; this is the end of identity crisis and the politics of convenience regarding our Igbo identity.”
He went further, “It is a bold declaration that we have reclaimed our identity and rectified the historical injustices that have plagued us for generations. It is an emphatic statement that we are not defined by the politics of convenience but by our rich legacy and unwavering commitment to our roots.
“As we navigate the complexities of the present, we must resolutely reject the attempts by desperate politicians to harness Ohanaeze for their narrow personal ambitions.
“The era of using our revered organization as a pawn in the political chess game is over. Ohanaeze Ndigbo is reaffirmed as the apex socio-cultural organization representing the entirety of the Igbo people, our focus shall pivot decisively toward issues that directly benefit our communities and enhance our collective progress.
“Let me make it abundantly clear: while we welcome collaboration with our governors as Imeobi members, we will not become subservient to their interests. Ohanaeze shall be funded by Igbo sons and daughters around the world, ensuring that we remain resolute in our mission to defend and promote the interests of the Igbo populace against the deceptions of political elites.
“Our immediate agenda, as the newly elected executive council, features a multi-faceted approach aimed at addressing the critical issues plaguing the Southeast. Chief among these is the urgent need to tackle insecurity—this will require concerted efforts alongside our friends and allies. We firmly stand for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, whose plight has become emblematic of our quest for justice and self-determination.
“We urge the government to recognize the importance of incorporating ethnicity and religion in the forthcoming 2025 census. Such representations are essential to rectifying historical misrepresentations and ensuring that our voices are heard in the administrative frameworks that govern our lives.
“We assertively declare that the restructuring of Nigeria is vital for unlocking the latent potentials of our diverse geopolitical regions. In line with this, we call for the revision of the 1999 Constitution to aptly reflect the aspirations and identities of all Nigerian ethnic groups.
“In pursuit of progress, we will vigorously advocate for the creation of additional new states within Igboland. This initiative is not merely about administrative boundaries; it represents a deeper quest for representation, acknowledgment, and empowerment for our people.
“Let it be known that we are committed to establishing the AKU RUO ULO INDUSTRIAL BUSINESS HUB, a pivotal initiative aimed at fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and investment in Igbo land. This clarion call for the “Think Home Philosophy” speaks to our dedication to nurturing our local economy, stimulating growth, and ensuring that our people thrive in a sustainable environment.
“Furthermore, I extend a message to President Tinubu: Engage with us to open the Eastern Economic corridors. It is imperative that we prioritize the dredging of Calabar Seaport, the development of the Azumiri Deep Blue Sea Port, and the comprehensive reconstruction of the Aba-Maiduguri railway lines. We must also include interstate railway infrastructure linking critical sub-stations from Abakaliki to Owerri, Awka, and Onitsha.
“I accept the monumental challenge before us to reposition Igboland to meet the expectations of millions of Igbos worldwide. This administration embraces collaboration with all stakeholders, including former contestants, reflecting a commitment to a unified vision for the restoration of confidence in Ohanaeze Ndigbo—an organization grounded in the history, aspirations, and resilience of our people.
“Together, let us forge a path of progress, embrace our identity boldly, and embark on this journey toward a brighter future for the Igbo nation, unmarred by past grievances but inspired by the promise of unity, strength, and unprecedented achievement.”
Meanwhile, another election committee headed by Chief Ejiofor Onyia is expected to conduct an election on January 10, 2025.
This will lead to a further factionalization of the apex Igbo body as witnessed in the last four years.
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