Former Senate President and elder statesman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, has lauded the emergence of Senator John Azuta-Mbata is the new President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide.

Senator Azuta-Mbata who represented Rivers East senatorial district from 1999 to 2007, emerged Friday at a peaceful election of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization in Enugu.

In an exclusive chat with Vanguard, the former Senate President described Senator Azuta-Mbata, his former colleague at the red chamber, as “a distinguished senator with vast experience”.

Senator Wabara commended Ndigbo in Rivers State for presenting the legal expert as their candidate, saying they have offered Ndigbo their best to steer the leadership of Ohaneze.

He expressed confidence that Senator Azuta-Mbata would leverage his rich contacts and wealth of experience to move the Igbo nation forward.

He said:”Distinguished Senator Azuta-Mbata was a senator of the Federal Republic for eight years. He was not only a senator but chaired a powerful committee like the Committee on Appropriation.

” He is well experienced and he has something to offer, and I think he is God-sent. He became a millionaire at the age of 18, and today he is 65 and counting.

” He has rich experience in leading Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide. Our brothers, the Igbo in Rivers State have given us their best. In the next four years, Senator Azuta-Mbata will bring his experience, integrity and pedigree to bear in Ohaneze.

“I want to thank the good people of Rivers State, the Ikwere people and all those including Gov. Siminalayi Fubara, who made it possible for Rivers to participate in the Ohaneze election.

” The emergence of Azuta-Mbata from Rivers has put to rest all kinds of speculations and perceptions in the history of Ohaneze”.

Senator Wabara also commended Governors of Igbo-speaking states for their unflinching support to Ohaneze Ndigbo, urging them to continue to forge a united front.

He particularly thanked Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State for the successful hosting of the event, and for his giant strides in governance which had made Enugu a pace-setter state.

The former Senate President, therefore, charged the new President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, and other members of the new executive to take the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization to greater heights. (Saturday Vanguard)