George Takes Up Leadership of Igbo Apex Socio-cultural Group
Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural group in Nigeria, has elected Professor Obiozor George as the President of the group.
Yesterday’s election comes after weeks of controversies that erupt in the group. The election was conducted by the election committee led by Gary Enwo Igariwey, set up by Nwodo at Dan Anyiam Stadium Owerri.
George, who was a former Nigeria Ambassador to the United States, scored 304 votes to beat two other contestants, Uju Okoro (three options) and Valentine Oparaocha (15 votes).
Meanwhile, former secretary-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Dr. Joe Nwaorgu, pulled out of the race on Saturday, after procuring and returning nomination forms.
He posited that the socio-cultural group had been sold to serving governors, and therefore, he will not be a part of the exercise.
He described the election as a farce and the lowest part of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, wondering when the organization had become a government parastatal.
“This is not the Ohanaeze Ndigbo that we inherited from our past leaders. What is happening portends great danger and a bleak future for Ndigbo. I will not be part of the process to cause disintegration of Igboland”.
Dr. Chris Asoluka, who also pulled out of the contest, said that it was apparent “either NEC does not possess the will to rescue our dear Ohanaeze or it is complicit,” adding that “I hereby notify all of my decision not to participate any further.”
Also, Prof Chidi Osuagwu had earlier pulled out of the election, declaring he would not be part of the process.
Among others present at the election were the Governors of Imo and the Ebonyi States, Minister of Labour Chris Ngige, Minister of Science and technology Ogbonnaya Onu, Senator Andy Uba, former President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Gary Igariwe, ArchBishop of the Enugu Province, Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Emmanuel Chukwuma and a host of other senators and lawmakers from the southeast and south-south.
Obi Nwali was returned unopposed for the deputy vice president position, Okey Egbuche was elected secretary-general, and Beatrice Eze returned unopposed as treasurer.
Other executive members of the group include Batholomew Okere, who emerged as financial secretary, and Alex Ogbonna, national publicity secretary.
George will be succeeding John Nnia Nwodo.
