Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu has emerged as the new president-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, replacing George Obiozor, who died last December after a brief illness.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide spokesman Alex Ogbonnia disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

According to him, in line with the doctrine of necessity, the NEC had, at the demise of Mr Obiozor, directed the people of Imo to find a credible replacement for the deceased for the post of president-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.

The statement added that the Imo State Council of Elders, led by Ilomuanya, presented Mr Iwuanyanwu to Governor Hope Uzodimma as “the consensus candidate” of the council to lead Ohanaeze.

Mr Iwuanyanwu, who hailed from Ikeduru in Imo, had been presented to Mr Uzidimma for approval to finish the tenure of Mr Obiozor, who died in 2022.

“The various reactions from the members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of Ohanaeze and from all the organs of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide indicate wild jubilations with the news that Iwuanyanwu, the chairman, Council of Elders, Ohanaeze, has been selected as a replacement for Obiozor who died in 2022,” added the statement.

It described Mr Iwuanyanwu as a “dynamic, versatile, purpose-driven and broad-minded personality of impeccable pedigree.”

“Before now, Iwuanyanwu is one of the finest amongst the Igbo; a philanthropist par excellence, massive employer of labour, robust creative thinker, brave soldier, accomplished engineer, astute business mogul, industrialist and sagacious politician,” said the Ohanaeze statement.

It noted that “beyond the above attributes is the general outcry for the prerequisites or the required persona for the office of the president-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.”

Ohanaeze, however, pointed out that a president-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, must also detach himself from any governor and should have the courage and moral authority to reproach or condemn a governor or any high office holder who went against the Igbo interest or public norms.

The sociocultural-political organisation explained that a president-general must also show capacity in many respects and have the courage and convictions to channel Igbo interests to the President of Nigeria without compromises.

“He should place Igbo interest above self-interest. He should be large enough or should have the tentacles that will incorporate the Igbo elements in the South-South of Nigeria and other sundry places. The person must have contributed his quota in diverse forms in promoting the Igbo heritage,” the statement stressed.

(NAN)