Prof. George Obiozor has emerged new President General of the Igbo socio-cultural group Ohanaeze Ndigbo to pilot affairs of the region for the next dispensation.
He succeeded Nnia Nwodo.
Obiozor scored 304 votes to beat two other contestants to emerge the winner in an election held at the Dan Anyiam Stadium Owerri.
In a valedictory speech, the immediate past President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Dr. Nnia Nwodo thanked leaders and people of the region for their solidarity with his administration.
Dr. Nwodo while advising detractors to sheath their sword and toe the path of peace, called for support to the new executive to enable them to succeed.
“This journey which started four years ago was made possible by the general assembly. May I on behalf of the General Assembly and Executive of Ohaneze Ndigbo thank you for allowing us to serve you. Within the period of our administration, we championed the call for a radical revisitation of the constitution of Nigeria imposed on us by the military”
The Chairman, South East Governors’ Forum and Governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi commended the outgoing President General, Dr. Nnia Nwodo for upholding the unity of Igbo nation and oneness of Nigeria throughout his administration.
“We have always stood for the unity of this country because the Igbos play vital roles in the unity and continuity of our country Nigeria”
Governor Umahi calls on the new executive of the Ohaneze Ndigbo worldwide to continue to hold the oneness and unity of the region and Nigeria.
“Let us continue to play politics with love, peace and faith in God knowing that tomorrow will surely be better and bigger”
The Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma while applauding the past President General Dr. Nnia Nwodo for making the Igbos proud through his pragmatic leadership, also described Governor Umahi as one of the best and brightest in Igbo land who is doing the nation proud through purposeful leadership.
“My heart is full of joy because I can see a new nation. I want to assure you prophetically speaking that things will change for better in Igbo land”.
Other speakers including former President General, Enwo Igariwey, Professor ABC Nwosu, Senator Ben Obi among others paid glowing tributes to the former President General and wished the new executive success in their administration.
The new executive of Ohaneze Ndigbo worldwide is currently led by Professor George Obiozor who polled a total of 304 votes to defeat his closest challenger Mr. Valentine Oparaocha who scored 15 votes.
In an acceptance speech, George Obiozor thanked the leaders and people of the region for the honour done to him and other members of the executive and pledged to give his all to return Igbo nation to its glorious days.
Delegates from Abia, Anambra, Delta, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, Rivers States and Diaspora participated in the election.
