Your tenure as president-general of Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo World-wide was brief, what were you able to achieve?
I was sworn in on Saturday, December 14, 2024. I had an interactive session with the Imeobi immediately. It was possible to do a SWOT analysis, and from there, some projections. I submitted a memo for the establishment of a Presidential Advisory Council (PAC) and another for membership registration and a functional database for Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide. These would relieve the governors of the many burdens they’ve been bearing. I also appointed external auditors to audit our finances/income and expenditures. I revived the registration of the Ohanaeze Investments and Development Company.
Some of your critics said insistence on handing over the Ohanaeze’s leadership to a Rivers State indigene instead of other core Igbo states was driven by a personal agenda. How do you respond to this?
Ohanaeze is guided by the fundamental principles of zoning and rotation. The tradition is for the rotation to be done in alphabetical order. After Imo it was the turn of Rivers State. I had no tenure. It was Imo tenure that I completed. Friday, January 10, 2024 was the day and date ordained by God for the handover. Fortunately, we have many eminently qualified sons and daughters of Rivers State of Igbo extraction, willing and ready. The arguments for extension of time to cover the many months of mourning our fallen heroes and invoking a doctrine of necessity were non sequitur. Pre ta viam.
The just-concluded Ohanaeze executive election was considered one of the best in recent history, what made the difference?
There were no vested interests. God was in control. We made sure that the right things were done right.
There are unconfirmed reports that you rejected overtures by some power brokers to bend the constitution of Ohanaeze for a particular candidate to emerge?
Those who anticipated the interplay of political dynamics can easily conjecture and speculate. The state governors were at their best, filled with exceptional zeal and leadership uprightness. Luckily for us, Senator John Azuta-Mbata is a distinguished Nigerian politician and public servant, known for his impressive background and accomplishments among which are: He has a strong educational foundation; Mbata holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from the University of Ibadan. He has leadership experience, having held various leadership positions, including being a senator for Rivers East; chairman of Monier Construction Company (MCC) and enviable family pedigree.
He also has administrative skills. Mbata has a strong background in administration, having served as a public servant and administrator.
Mbata also boasts of a sound business acumen. He has experience in the private sector, having held positions in various businesses. He is also involved in his community, developing and supporting initiatives.
Do you have any regrets leading the Ohanaeze within that short period of time?
No regrets at all. It was as challenging as it was exciting. Thank God I was able to leave an indelible mark in almost all aspects of its history and administration.
What’s your agenda for the new executives led by Senator Mbata?
We are lucky that Senator Mbata is a boardroom guru, a quintessential political leader, and an outstanding manager of men, intriguing moments and materials. His potential is great and public confidence and expectations are very high. Remember that he is a man of ideas and has so many experienced and competent NEC. They may consider reviewing the structure, system and style. He is lucky to now have an incorporated development and investment outfit, so collaboration with NDDC; SEDC; Niger Delta River Basin Development Authority, and Anambra-Imo River Basin Development Authority will be effective and efficient.
Above all, our governors pledged unflinching support. Nothing could be more reassuring. All things being equal youths productive engagement would be top priority, security and public safety would be guaranteed, the welfare and well-being of the people would be greatly enhanced, consequently, the growth and development of the Igbo nation become a concomitant necessity.
Many people say that the worst thing that happened to the Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo Worldwide is electing an Ikwere ethnic nationality son who denied Igbo origin to lead the organisation, your take?
What would I say. When your fellow South Easterner calls you ‘nwa onye Igbo’ (Igbo child). Is he or she by extension not denying his/her Igboness? Two former governors, now both serving as ministers have said they are not Igbo. Does that make them non-Igbo? Can you in good conscience deny them, their children or relatives their rights and privileges as Ndigbo when the needs arise? Or have you forgotten the story of Peter denying Christ when it mattered most? Authenticity is deeper than audacity. It’s spiritual and borders on angelic uprightness.
Nothing can be more ennobling than this divine gesture. We must go out and seek our kit and kin. We must encourage and empathise with them.
