Kehinde Fajobi
Fidelis Chukwu, a former national vice chairman (South-East) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has been appointed president-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
Alex Ogbonnia, national publicity secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, announced the decision in a statement on Saturday after an Ime-Obi meeting in Enugu.
Chukwu succeeds Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, who passed away on July 25, 2024, after a brief illness.
Ogbonnia explained that Chukwu’s appointment follows the doctrine of necessity to complete Imo State’s tenure in the leadership of Ohanaeze.
“Nze Ozichukwu is to exhaust the Imo State balance of 27 days which ends on January 10, 2025,” the statement noted.
This succession was necessitated by the deaths of former leaders Ambassador Professor George Obiozor in 2022 and Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu earlier this year.
Iwuanyanwu, who replaced Obiozor, was sworn in on April 30, 2023, and served until his death in July 2024.
The Imo State Chapter of Ohanaeze, led by Barrister C.J. Ihemedu, nominated Chukwu to complete the state’s four-year leadership tenure.
His nomination was moved by Eze Cletus Ilomuanya, Chairman of the Imo Council of Elders, and seconded by Chief Simon Okeke.
Ilomuanya described Chukwu as a “cerebral thinker with sterling qualities,” highlighting his academic achievements and professional experience. Chukwu is an alumnus of prestigious institutions including Templeton College, Oxford University; Harvard University; and Galilee College, Israel. He holds an M.Sc. and MBA, among other degrees.
A seasoned management executive and entrepreneurship consultant, Chukwu has held prominent positions, including as a director at Inland Bank Plc and managing director of Nigeria Merchant Bank (NMB) Plc.
Ohanaeze expressed confidence in Chukwu’s leadership, which will conclude Imo State’s tenure at the helm of the socio-cultural organisation.