A prominent Ikwerre indigene, Livingstone Wechie has been elected to lead all Igbo people in Rivers State as the President of the Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo Worldwide in the state
Wechie emerged victorious alongside other executives in a keenly contested election which took place in Port Harcourt on January 8 and conducted by the Senator Ben Collins Ndu-led Electoral Committee.
Wechie, who hails from Rumueme Clan in Obio-Akpor council of the state, as President, will serve as the statutory leader of all Igbos in Rivers State, working closely with relevant institutions, agencies, and stakeholders to promote peace and development in the state.
Wechie has consistently maintained that the Ikwerres remain Igbos and not Binis, a notion that was confirmed by a former Oba of Benin. He added that they also boast of the biggest population among the Igbo ethnic group.
Also, the newly elected executives include Dr. Sam Emeka as Vice Chairman, Maurice Okpara as Secretary, and Mrs. Uju Adekunle as Woman Leader.
In a statement signed by Maurice Okpara, Secretary of the organisation, the group congratulated Senator John Azuta Mbata on his emergence as the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo Worldwide.
The statement read in part: “By this development, Livingstone Wechie is now the statutory leader of all Igbos and the number one Igbo Citizen in Rivers state.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo Rivers state shall work with all relevant institutions, agencies and stakeholders for the peace and development of Rivers State.
“In this same vein, Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo Worldwide on behalf of all Igbos in Rivers state heartily congratulate our global Leader, Distinguished Senator John Azuta Mbata on his emergence as the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo Worldwide.
“We pray that God shall grant you the wisdom to lead Ndi-Igbo around the world to greater heights. We love you sir.”