- VERACITY.COM.NG - A La Une - 11/Jan 15:57

Ohanaeze: Atiku congratulates Mbata, urges unity, progress

Former Vice President of Nigeria and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, has extended his congratulations to Senator Azubuike Mbata on his election as the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, the apex socio-cultural body for the Igbo people.Atiku also commended other members of the newly elected executive tasked with steering the organization’s affairs, following what he described as a peaceful and credible election held in Enugu State on Friday.Acknowledging the role played by the South East Governors' Forum in ensuring a transparent and orderly process, Atiku praised the unity demonstrated during the election, despite the participants' diverse political backgrounds. He emphasized that such alliances should serve as a model for the nation.The former Vice President echoed the statement from Ohanaeze Ndigbo, which described Mbata's victory as a "significant moment" that ushers in a "new era of progress, unity, and development."Atiku charged the Mbata-led executive to focus on uniting the Igbo community around shared values and fostering collaboration with other socio-cultural organizations to promote national unity. He highlighted the importance of tolerance and intercommunal relations as essential elements for peace, stability, and development in Nigeria.He expressed optimism that Mbata’s experience as a lawmaker and administrator, alongside the expertise of the new executive, would enable them to deliver on their mandate.Atiku concluded by wishing the new leadership a successful tenure, emphasizing that their success would benefit the Igbo people and contribute to national progress.The statement was signed by Paul Ibe, Media Adviser to Atiku Abubakar, on January 11, 2025.