••Senator Mbata emphasizing on unity and development for Igbos and other ethnic groups.
Port Harcourt, Rivers State – Senator John Mbata, the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has firmly declared that his Igbo identity is unwavering, dismissing recent criticisms as stemming from misunderstanding. He reiterated his commitment to supporting Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and respecting the office of the governor.
Mbata made this statement during a courtesy visit from the Opobo Elder Statesmen-4-Sim on Monday in Port Harcourt. He emphasized his focus on building bridges and connecting Igbos to broader platforms for development, highlighting the importance of unity among different ethnic groups.
“Some people say they are from Benin, that their ancestry is Benin. And I say, That’s fine. Let’s go there. We say that we have a relationship with the Igbo. I’m not going to deny my Igbo identity,” Mbata stated. “I see my responsibility as building bridges. We must operate at the highest stage of this Nigerian project. We have to be able to access the powers that be.”
Edwin Cockeye-Brown, Chairman of Opobo Elder Statesmen-4-Sim, congratulated Mbata on his election and expressed gratitude for his support of Governor Fubara, particularly during the governor’s impeachment attempt. He also highlighted the longstanding relationship between the Mbata family and the Opobo people.
Livingstone Wechie, the Rivers State Chairman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, praised Mbata’s leadership and the historic nature of the visit. “Today, we have the tallest Ikwerre son, both in height and stature, to be given this task to lead more than one 100 million Ndigbo all over the world,” Wechie said.
Chief Lawrence Oko-Jaja, SAN, who introduced the delegation, emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration, highlighting Mbata’s integrity and commitment to the interests of the Ikwerre people. The delegation expressed their eagerness to work with Mbata to promote peace, development, and cultural heritage.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo President-General Affirms Igbo Identity.
