The Ohaozara, Onicha and Ivo (OHANIVO) communities in Ebonyi South Senatorial District, under the umbrella of the OHANIVO General Assembly, have formally adopted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Ebonyi State Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, for second terms in office.
The endorsement was made during the 2025 Iri Ji (new yam) Festival of the Assembly, held on Saturday, September 27, in Ebonyi State. Leaders of the communities said their decision was hinged on what they described as the inclusive and diversity-driven leadership styles of both President Tinubu and Governor Nwifuru.
In his welcome address, the President-General of OHANIVO General Assembly, Darlington Onuabuchi Okereke, said the unanimous endorsement reflected the collective will of the communities. He commended the President for breaking the “jinx of Igbo marginalisation” in national development, while also lauding Governor Nwifuru for delivering on his “People’s Charter of Needs” manifesto.
Minister of Works and grand patron of the Assembly, Senator David Umahi, thanked the communities for their support, stressing that President Tinubu had ensured no region in Nigeria was marginalised. He urged the South East to unite behind Tinubu and Nwifuru ahead of the 2027 elections.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given Ndigbo a sense of belonging. There is no reason not to support him. In Ebonyi, we are not ‘Obidient.’ The last election was a mistake, and we have become wiser. The President is treating us fairly, and Governor Nwifuru’s second term is already endorsed by God,” Umahi declared.
Acting Governor of Ebonyi State, Princess Patricia Obila, who was the Special Guest of Honour, praised the resilience and solidarity of OHANIVO communities. She also commended Umahi for his contributions to national development, particularly in road infrastructure.
Chairman of the occasion and CEO of Rock Results Group, Chief (Dr) Ifeanyi Okorie, called for a standing ovation for President Tinubu, noting that the South East had gained prominence in national development under his leadership.
Other dignitaries at the festival included Senator Prof. Anthony Okorie Ani, representing Ebonyi South; Hon. Nkemkama Kama, member representing Ohaozara/Onicha/Ivo Federal Constituency; and Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Grace Umezurike, among others.
