By Stephen Gbadamosi, Ibadan
Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has congratulated Ohanaeze Ndigbo on its successful election which ushered in a new Executive Council (Exco) to run the latter’s affairs.
A statement by Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi, on Tuesday, January 14, quoted its Leader, Chief Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, as expressing the organisation’s goodwill to Ohanaeze and its new President General (PG), Senator John Azuta-Mbata.
The Afenifere leader prayed for a successful tenure for the new exco and assured the body of Afenifere’s readiness to work with ethnic nationalities, including Ohanaeze “for the betterment of our dear country, Nigeria.”
Fasoranti added: “Afenifere and many ethnic organisations in Nigeria work in synergy to uplift the country.
“Some of these bodies are Ohanaeze, Middle Belt Forum, Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) etc.”
Recall that the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation held its general congress in Enugu, Enugu State, South-East Nigeria, last Friday where it elected a new set of officers to run its affairs.
At the end of the exercise, which was peaceful and smooth, Senator Azuta-Mbata emerged as new PG.
Chief Okey Nwadinobi was elected as National Deputy President, while Mr. Emeka Sibeidu was elected new Secretary-General.
Others in the new exco are Mr. Dan Okenyi (Deputy Secretary-General), Mr. Charles Kalu (National Financial Secretary), Ms Jane Nwangele (Assistant National Financial Secretary), Mr. Peter Aneke (National Treasurer), Mr. Nnanna Nwankwo (Assistant National Treasurer), Mr. Okeagu Ogada (National Legal Adviser), Mr. Chizoba Iheka (Assistant National Legal Adviser), Mr. Ezechukwu Ezechi (National Publicity Secretary), and Mr. Bismarck Orji (Assistant National Publicity Secretary).
Five other persons were elected as Vice PGs for states which did not produce a PG or deputy PG.