The apex socio-cultural organization of the Igbo people, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has reaffirmed its commitment to the constitutional zoning arrangement, designating Rivers State as the next to produce the President General.
This decision was made during the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Enugu on Wednesday, signaling the organization’s adherence to its rotational leadership framework.
In a statement by Dr. Chiedozie Alex Ogbonnia, the National Publicity Secretary, the NEC directed the Secretary-General, Ambassador Okey Emuchay, to initiate preparations for the January 2025 election. “The NEC reaffirmed the commitment to the provisions of the Ohanaeze constitution; to the effect that it is the turn of Rivers State to produce the next President General for Ohanaeze Ndigbo come January 2025,” the statement read.
To facilitate the process, the Secretary-General has been tasked with consulting key stakeholders, including South East Governors, Igbo Senators, traditional rulers, town unions, the clergy, and other Ohanaeze structures, to convene a meeting of Ime Obi, the organization’s supreme decision-making body. This meeting will establish the electoral committee that will oversee the election.
The NEC assured the Igbo community of its unwavering dedication to ensuring a transparent and successful election. “It was therefore resolved that the Secretary-General should convene a meeting of Ime Obi Ohanaeze as soon as possible to set up an electoral umpire for the purpose of the 2025 Ohanaeze election,” the NEC stated.
Ohanaeze commended the Igbo community for their steadfast support and understanding. It also expressed gratitude to stakeholders for their collaboration during the recent burial of the late President General, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu. “The NEC conveyed appreciation to the Igbo community for their support and assured them that the January 2025 election would be successful,” Ogbonnia added.
The meeting also acknowledged the efforts of the National Burial Committee, chaired by Senator Ben Obi, for coordinating Chief Iwuanyanwu’s funeral, which brought together leaders from across the Igbo community. “We thank the South East Governors Forum, Igbo leaders, and other supporters for their cooperation during the burial ceremonies,” the NEC noted.
