By Abiola Olawale
A former Nigerian Ambassador to the United States of America, Israel and Cyprus, George Obiozor has emerged as the new President General of the Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
According to reports coming from Owerri, Obiozor scored 304 votes to beat his other counterparts for the post of President General in the just concluded election at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri.
Based on this report, Obiozor is expected to succeed the current President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief John Nnia Nwodo.
Obiozor, 78, was a former Ambassador of Nigeria to the United States of America, Israel and Cyprus between 1999 and 2008, respectively.
He is also a Professor of Political science. Obiozor graduated from the University of Puget Sound in 1969. He holds a PhD in International Relations from the Columbia University. The professor was also a senior research fellow at Nigerian Institute of International Affairs(NIIA) and later became the Director-General of the Institute. He hails from Awo-Omamma, Imo state.
The New Diplomat learnt other candidates boycotted the election, rejecting the results as declared as fraudulent manipulation. The candidates who boycotted the election include; Chief Goddy Uwazuruike, Professor Chidi Osuagwu, Dr. Chris Asoluka.
Similarly, another contender for the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Dr. Joe Nwaorgu backed out of the election on Saturday after purchasing his nomination form. Nwaorgu described the election process as a farce, stressing that he doesn’t want to be part of the exercise.
It would be recalled that Ohanaeze Ndigbo, a socio-cultural organization, was founded in 1976, to champion the interests all Igbo people and Ibo-speaking communities within and outside Nigeria. The headquarters of the organization is located in Enugu.
