“I Am Igbo, Nothing Will Make Me Deny That” – Ohanaeze President John Azuta Mbata Stands Firm Amid Criticism

Senator John Azuta Mbata, the newly elected President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has firmly reaffirmed his unshakable commitment to his Igbo identity, dismissing recent criticisms as misunderstandings. Speaking on Monday during a courtesy visit by the Opobo Elder Statesmen-4-Sim in Port Harcourt, Mbata emphasized that no amount of criticism would ever cause him to renounce his heritage....CONTINUE READING>>>

“I am Igbo, and nothing, absolutely nothing, will make me deny that,” Mbata stated, brushing aside the recent backlash against his leadership. He explained that his role is to foster unity and build bridges, emphasizing that his focus is on creating platforms for development that benefit all communities, including the Igbo people.

The comments came in response to critics who had questioned his commitment to the Igbo cause, particularly following his support for Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara. Despite the growing tensions surrounding his leadership, Mbata remained resolute, highlighting the need for ethnic groups to work together for the greater good of Nigeria.

“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 continued. “People will, by and large, understand what we are doing. We must operate at the highest stage of this Nigerian project. We have to be able to access the powers that be.”

Mbata’s comments reflect his belief in the importance of collaboration across ethnic lines, stressing that effective political influence in Nigeria is forged at the federal level in Abuja, not merely at the state level. He suggested that his focus would remain on working with all stakeholders to enhance the Igbo community’s standing and influence in national affairs.

Earlier in the meeting, Edwin Cockeye-Brown, Chairman of the Opobo Elder Statesmen-4-Sim, congratulated Mbata on his election as President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, acknowledging his strong and unwavering support for Governor Fubara. Cockeye-Brown praised Mbata’s consistency during political challenges, particularly his support for the governor during the impeachment attempt.