The President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Nze Ozichukwu Chukwu, inaugurated the screening and election committees on Friday to oversee the selection process for the organization’s next President-General. The election is scheduled to take place in January 2025.
Chukwu, who was appointed to complete the tenure of Imo State following the demise of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu earlier this year, has assured a credible and peaceful election process for his successor.
Addressing members of the committees during the inauguration, Chukwu emphasized the importance of transparency and discipline. “Every Igbo man and woman should support the committees to deliver an election that will be a benchmark for excellence,” he said. “There will be a level playing ground to ensure the process is fair and credible. Let us produce quality candidates who will truly represent Ndigbo.”
He further urged all aspirants to respect the zoning arrangement, which allocates offices to specific states, and to work diligently within those guidelines. “Know what is zoned to your state and focus on emerging as a representative for that position. Follow the due process and demonstrate discipline,” he added.
Chukwu charged the committee members to uphold the rule of law and avoid nepotism. He stressed the importance of sustaining the Igbo reputation for excellence. “Your actions will be closely monitored, and history will judge you. The future of Ndigbo is in your hands. This is a quintessential assignment that demands integrity and commitment,” he said.
The chairman of the electoral committee, Ejiofor Onyia, expressed gratitude on behalf of the committees for the trust reposed in them. He pledged to deliver on the organization’s objectives. Onyia appealed to Igbo leaders, including the Imeobi and General Assembly, to cooperate fully with the committees for the success of the process.
“Contest freely, follow the rules, and avoid cutting corners,” Onyia urged. “No position has been earmarked for any individual. This will be a transparent contest aimed at producing a President-General who reflects the best of Ndigbo.”
The screening committee, chaired by Eme Okoro, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring candidates of capacity and quality emerge for the elections.
Nze Ozichukwu Chukwu’s tenure will conclude on January 10, 2025. He was appointed under the doctrine of necessity to complete the four-year term initially allocated to Imo State, which was truncated by the deaths of two past leaders: Prof. George Obiozor in 2022 and Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu in 2024.
The Imo State Chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, led by Mr. Ihemedu, nominated Chukwu to the Imeobi Ohanaeze for this role, ensuring the state exhausted its rightful term. Chukwu has pledged to leave a legacy of fairness and excellence in the leadership transition process.
The forthcoming election is expected to shape the future of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and strengthen the organization’s role as a socio-cultural beacon for the Igbo nation. All eyes are now on the committees to deliver a transparent, inclusive, and impactful election.
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