Former Rivers East senator, John Azuta-Mbata, has been elected president-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
Mbata was elected at the stakeholders’ meeting of Ohanaeze Ndigbo held at the Old Government Lodge, in Enugu, on Friday.
Azuta-Mbata alongside 15 others were elected through a voice vote into various executive positions within the organisation.
Senator Azuta-Mbata represented the Rivers East constituency in the Senate between 1999 and 2007.
Earlier, a former Inspector General of Police, Mike Okiro, withdrew from the race following an order of the court, which adopted a motion demanding the state of origin of Okiro. Okiro is alleged to be from Imo State, and not from River State, which the slot was zoned to.
The election of Mbata followed the expiration of the turn of Imo State. Imo State’s era was historical following the death of Prof George Obiozor and Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu while serving as Ohanaeze President General on behalf of Imo State.
Nze Ozichukwu Chukwu served out the 27 days remaining for Imo State and oversaw the election of Mbata.