Former National Vice Chairman, South East, of the Peoples Democratic Party, Nze Fidelis Ozichukwu Chukwu, has been named the new President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
His appointment follows the passing of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, who died on Thursday, July 25, 2024, after a brief illness.
Chukwu’s emergence was formalized during an Ime-Obi meeting held in Enugu.
The National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Dr. Alex Ogbonnia, confirmed the development in a statement released over the weekend.
The statement read, “Nze Ozichukwu is to exhaust the Imo State balance of 27 days which ends on January 10, 2025. The emergence of Chukwu is as a result of a chain of catastrophe, which has visited Ohanaeze with the demise of Ambassador Professor George Obiozor, CON in 2022.
“In order to complete the tenure of Imo State, the people of Imo State presented Chief Engr. Dr Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu to Imeobi Ohanaeze for the replacement of the Late Obiozor. By the application of a doctrine of necessity, Iwuanyanwu was sworn-in on April 30, 2023. Unfortunately, Chief Iwuanyanwu died on July 25, 2024, and was buried on November 1, 2024.
“It is in line with the doctrine of necessity that the Imo State Chapter of Ohanaeze, led by Barrister C.J Ihemedu, presented Nze Ozichukwu to the Imeobi Ohanaeze to exhaust the balance of the four-year tenure allotted to Imo State. The motion for the adoption of Nze Ozichukwu was moved by Eze Cletus Ilomuanya, Chairman of the Imo Council of Elders, and seconded by Chief Simon Okeke (Ochendo).
“In moving the motion, Eze Cletus Ilomuanya stated that Ozichukwu is a cerebral thinker with sterling qualities. He informed the Imeobi that Nze Ozichukwu Fidelis Chukwu, KSM, KSS, is a Nigerian management executive and entrepreneurship development consultant.”
The announcement was met with widespread support from Ime-Obi dignitaries, including notable figures such as Enugu State Governor Barr. Dr. Peter Mbah, represented by the Secretary to the State Government Prof. Chidiebere Onyia; Rear Admiral Allison Madueke, GCON; Sen. Eyinnaya Abaribe; Prof. ABC Nwosu; Chief Chekwas Okorie; and Dr. Ngozi Olejeme, among others.
President of the Rivers State Chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Dr. Lucky Ekeji, expressed delight, noting that this development paves the way for the next President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo to emerge from Rivers State.
Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Ambassador Okey Emuchay, remarked, “Today is phenomenal in the annals of Igbo history,” and extended gratitude to the Igbo nation for its unwavering support through challenging times.
Ime-Obi members described Ozichukwu as a leader with courage, integrity, and predictable principles.
They hailed his exceptional organizational skills and untarnished public service record, emphasizing that his leadership would ensure a smooth and credible transition of power to Rivers State in January 2025.
