A former National Vice-Chairperson of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South-east, Fidelis Chukwu, has been named the new President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization.
Mr. Chukwu succeeds Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the immediate past President-General of the group, who passed away on July 25, 2024, after a prolonged illness.
The spokesperson for Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chiedozie Ogbonnia, announced the development in a statement, explaining that Mr. Chukwu emerged during an Imeobi Ohanaeze meeting held on Saturday in Enugu.
A Brief Tenure for Imo State
According to Mr. Ogbonnia, Mr. Chukwu’s tenure will last for only 27 days, ending on January 10, 2025, to complete the term allocated to Imo State.
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The appointment follows a turbulent period for the organization, marked by the deaths of two past presidents-general—George Obiozor and Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu—between 2022 and 2024.
Mr. Ogbonnia recounted that after the passing of Professor Obiozor, who hailed from Imo State, the late Iwuanyanwu was sworn in on April 30, 2023, under the “doctrine of necessity” to complete the state’s tenure. Unfortunately, Iwuanyanwu’s demise in July 2024 further truncated the term, necessitating the selection of another leader to serve the remaining days.
The Process of Selection
In adherence to the doctrine of necessity, the Imo State Chapter of Ohanaeze, led by Barrister C.J. Ihemedu, nominated Mr. Chukwu to the Imeobi Ohanaeze for approval. The Chairperson of the Imo Council of Elders, Cletus Ilomuanya, moved a motion for his adoption, which was seconded by Simon Okeke.
The motion was subsequently ratified through a unanimous voice vote, confirming Mr. Chukwu as the new President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
