By Praise Chinecherem
The Ohaneze Ndigbo worldwide presidential election might have come and gone, but the scars that accompanied that election is still raging. With misplaced approbation in different quarters, on what actually happened with stakeholders who actively participated in the process.
In a recent publication by the Sun Newspaper on the 21st of January 2025, titled; Ohanaeze Ndigbo: Agenda for John Azuta-Mbata, which was purported to have been written by Prof Agbedo from Nsukka, highlighted some of the tasks before Sen John Mbata’s new administration. In that publication, the writer basically hammered on the process and controversies surrounding the election, but misplaced the facts.
It’s unfortunate however, that those who were named in that publication, did not in anyway have anything to do with that election, as they did not buy any form from Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide. Going forward, they should show us the forms they bought, and where they made the payment to, and as such, they have no locus standi, to demand anything from Ohaneze Ndigbo. The duo of Uche Okwukwu and Jackson Omenazu can’t be everywhere asking to be recognized in a house they were never part of. Resorting to media blackmail is however unfortunate, while the very person that spent his time, money and resources to campaign in all the Igbo states, have kept quiet to ensure that peace and what is due to Rivers state was not hijacked.
Chief Fyneface Ndukwe Amaechi, an aspirant for the presidency of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, had actively campaigned across the 7 states of Imo, Abia, Delta, Rivers, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Anambra. Notably, he was the only aspirant in the race who was screened by the screening committee of Ohaneze Ndigbo, as of 6:30 pm on Thursday 9th January 2025, before Senator John Mbata’s arrival at the Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide office in Enugu, the capital of Enugu state.
It’s worthy of mention that, those agitating to be recognized where not screened or cleared by the screening committee of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide in that election. Despite this, Amaechi has maintained a strategic silence, awaiting the direction of the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and major stakeholders from Rivers state, especially Governor SIM Fubara the governor of Rivers State.
The emergence of Senator John Azuta-Mbata as the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo has sparked mixed reactions anyway. While some view his leadership as an opportunity to address the Igbo nation’s challenges, others criticize the election process because of the involvement of the governors from the Igbo speaking states, who hijacked the process against the wish of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide and delegates.
These concerns, surrounding the transparency and due process of Senator Mbata’s emergence, must however be addressed to rebuild trust among stakeholders, especially within the ranks of Ohaneze Ndigbo. This is so, to avoid any backlash that might come from unnecessary cravings for litigations in future.
As Senator Mbata assumes office, it’s evident that he will face numerous challenges no doubt , including internal divisions, waning relevance, and perceptions of partisanship within Ohanaeze Ndigbo. To be transformative, his presidency must prioritize unity, strategic alliances, and inclusive decision-making. This includes reconciling with leaders of Ohaneze Ndigbo, fostering a spirit of inclusivity that transcends political affiliations and personal ambitions.
The marginalization of Ndigbo in Nigeria is a pressing issue, and should not be allowed to nose dive further. Despite being one of the country’s three largest ethnic groups, the southeast remains underrepresented, with only five states.
Senator Mbata’s presidency must however prioritize the demand for a sixth state in the southeast, galvanize grassroots mobilization, and build strategic alliances with other regions for the success of Ndigbo.
Ultimately, Senator Mbata’s success will depend on his ability to unite the Igbo people, address their marginalization, and promote their interests within the Nigerian federation.
At the moment, Chief Fyneface Ndukwe Amaechi, whose slience to many is disturbing, even though strategic, should not be seen as weakness, as he remains the only aspirant that contested that election in Enugu, that never happened. Not harnessing the potential of a great leader like him may have great implications for the leadership of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, led by Sen. John Azuta Mbata.
