By IKENNA OSUOHA

Ikwerre People’s Congress (IPC) has congratulated Sen. John Azuta-Mbata and Mr Livingstone Wechie on their emergence as President-General, Ohaneze Ndi Igbo worldwide and President, Ohaneze Ndi Igbo Rivers Chapter.

This is contained in a statement co-signed by Stanley Worgu, Secretary-General IPC and Sunny-Wenike Ibokejere, Director, IPC Diaspora, in Abuja on Monday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Azuta-Mbata was elected the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo Worldwide in Enugu on Jan. 10.

“It is a thing of pride that Mbata, a proud Igbo son of Ikwerre extraction, who once served as an acting President, Nigerian Senate, is given the rare opportunity to lead more than 80million Ndi Igbo globally.

“We urge our hinterland Igbo patriots to join their riverine Igbo patriots and compatriots in Rivers State to make this historic opportunity and reign huge success,” they said.

They assured Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo of Ikwerre people’s confidence and loyalty to the leadership of Azuta-Mbata and Wechie.

Describing the opportunity as unprecedented, they said it was a golden opportunity for lifetime unity and progress.

“We wish to thank His Excellency, Gov. Siminalayi Fubara for his support in ensuring the successful emergence of Mbata as the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo Worldwide.

“We urge all Ikwerres to be conscious of the threats against our development by divisive forces and seize this opportunity to pursue the future of our dreams.

“This is because as the largest Igbo group arguably so, Ikwerre leading Ndi Igbo Worldwide is both historic and significant,” they said. (NAN)