The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has affirmed that it is the turn of Rivers State to produce its next President-General.
The group is scheduled to hold its general election to pick national leaders in January 2025.
The Ohanaeze National Executive Committee (NEC) reached the resolution during its meeting held at its National Secretariat in Enugu State.
The meeting, which was presided over by Ohanaeze’s Secretary-General, Ambassador Okey Emuchay, was well attended by almost all the members.
Spokesman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Alex Ogbonnia, said: “NEC reaffirmed their 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.
“It was, therefore, resolved that Ambassador Emuchay, in consultation with the South East governors, Igbo senators, traditional rulers, town unions, the clergy, stakeholders, and the Ohanaeze structures, should convene a meeting of Imeobi Ohanaeze as soon as possible to set up an electoral umpire for the purpose of the 2025 Ohanaeze election.”
The meeting commenced with a one-minute silence in honour of eminent Igbo personages who passed on recently. They include Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah and Onyeka Onwenu.
Members expressed immense satisfaction with the administrative capacity of the Secretary-General, Ambassador Okey Emuchay, with a vote of confidence moved by Chief Chukwuemeka Udodeme, the President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Anambra State. In seconding the motion, the Vice President General for Delta State, Chief Emeka Festus Ogwu, commended Ambassador Emuchay and the members of the National Burial Committee led by Senator Ben Obi on the successful funeral programme for Chief Iwuanyanwu.
Others expressed delight over the cooperation and kind gestures displayed by the South East Governors Forum, led by Senator Hope Uzodimma, the governor of Imo State.
Ogbonnia added that Emuchay thanked Igbos for their unwavering support and appealed for understanding, assuring that the January 2025 election will be a huge success.