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Fidelis Chukwu, a native of Imo State, has been appointed as the new President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.

According to reports, this announcement was outlined in a communiqué issued at the conclusion of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide Imeobi and General Assembly meeting, held on Saturday in Enugu.

The communiqué was signed by Okey Emuchay, the Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.

Emuchay revealed that the motion to endorse Nze Ozichukwu’s leadership was proposed by Eze Cletus Ilomuanya, Chairman of the Imo Council of Elders, and seconded by Chief Simon Okeke.

The appointment follows a series of setbacks in Ohanaeze’s leadership, starting with the death of Prof. George Obiozor in 2022.

In response, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu assumed the role on April 30, 2023, under the doctrine of necessity. However, Iwuanyanwu passed away on July 25, 2024, and was laid to rest on November 1.

Nze Ozichukwu’s term is set to last for only 27 days, concluding the Imo State tenure, which officially ends on January 10, 2025.

Chukwu was sworn in as the President-General by National Legal Adviser Joseph Ojobu and Assistant Legal Adviser Peter Aneke. Representing the Southeast Governors’ Forum, Governor Peter Mbah tasked the new President-General with ensuring that the upcoming Ohanaeze elections are conducted transparently and credibly.

He said: “In line with the doctrine of necessity that the Imo State Chapter of Ohanaeze, led by Mr C.J Ihemedu presented Nze Chukwu to the Imeobi Ohanaeze to exhaust the balance of four year tenure allotted to Imo State”.

“In line with the doctrine of necessity, the Imeobi adopted the nomination of Chukwu as President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and the motion was unanimously adopted through a voice vote by the Imeobi Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

“The State Presidents of Ohanaeze Ndigbo of Abia, Anambra, Delta, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Rivers States, expressed delight over the nomination of Chukwu as the new President-General until January 10, 2025.”