Ohaneze Ndi Igbo: Mbata Enters Race
By PHC Telegraph
There are very strong indications that Senator John Azuta Mbata, a major Rivers stakeholder, has joined the ranks of eminent persons across the Old Eastern Region who are contesting the presidency of the socio – cultural group known as Ohaneze Ndi Igbo.
The Telegraph which has been keeping an eye on unfolding developments within the pan Igbo organisation since the death of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu learnt about Mbata’s interest 48 hours ago.
His entry into the race, we have gathered, is generating a lot of interest among members of Ohaneze Ndi Igbo as well as Rivers people who believe it is the turn of Rivers State to produce the next president.
Mbata hasn’t said much about his ambition but a lot of spade work, we understand, is being done behind the scene by volunteers and others who are aptly convinced that the Senator who served in the Senate during the Olu Obasanjo era has something to offer the Igbo nation.
He is entering the race against the backdrop of a controversy surrounding the candidacy of a former Inspector General of Police, Mike Okiro.
Okiro who hails from a part of Egbema that his opponents say is in Imo State is claiming to hail from Rivers State.
His claim has been challenged and a court has literally put the aspiration of the former Police Chief on hold.
The Senator has since he turned to full time business maintained a low profile, prefering to concentrate on the execution of projects rather than engaging in partisan politics.
The Monier Construction Company, MCC, that he pilots as the CEO is deeply into construction works in and outside the shores of Rivers State.
Many say Senator Mbata is a very close ally of the Rivers Governor, Siminalayi Fubara who visited him on the day of his last
An insider told this publication, “Mbata has the requisite experience and exposure. No doubt, he would be able to lead Ohaneze to newer heights.”