Senator John Azuta-Mbata: A Leader Emerges President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide – Wike, Where is Your Congratulations?, by John Egbeazien Oshodi

Former Senator John Azuta-Mbata’s election as the 13th President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide is a landmark achievement, not just for him, but for the Igbo people and Nigerian politics at large. His new position offers him tremendous influence, a powerful platform to unite the Igbo community, and a voice to drive socio-political change across Nigeria. Azuta-Mbata’s leadership promises to have far-reaching implications, and it’s clear to everyone that this moment demands respect and acknowledgment from those who know him best—particularly his kinsman, former Governor Nyesom Wike.

Wike, we all know that Azuta-Mbata has been clear with you. He has advised you to let Governor Siminalayi Fubara govern Rivers State without interference. He’s told you, as a fellow kinsman, that your presence in Abuja should not undermine Fubara’s leadership. Azuta-Mbata, with years of experience and wisdom, sees the bigger picture, and he has guided you to understand that stepping back is in the best interest of both the state and your own political future. So, Wike, what are you waiting for? Why is it so difficult to acknowledge his monumental achievement publicly?

Azuta-Mbata is your kinsman—someone who introduced you to the deep ends of Nigerian politics. He took you under his wing and sponsored your chairmanship of Obio Akpor Local Government Area in 1999. Without his mentorship and political guidance, there’s no doubt you would not be where you are today. Azuta-Mbata’s influence has been instrumental in your rise to power. He gave you the opportunities, the support, and the direction you needed at critical moments in your career. He helped shape the political path that you now walk, and yet, in this pivotal moment of his own, you remain silent.

What is it that’s holding you back, Wike? Azuta-Mbata has dedicated years to his people, and now he has earned one of the most respected positions in Nigerian politics. As his kinsman, and someone who owes much of his career to Azuta-Mbata’s guidance, it is your duty to publicly congratulate him. This is not the time for pride or petty political squabbles. This is a time for you to rise above any past grievances or differences and show respect for the man who helped you get where you are.

We all know that this could have been a moment for you to show leadership and maturity. If you had congratulated Azuta-Mbata publicly, it would have been all over the media, a signal of respect and unity between you two, a message that would resonate with both your supporters and critics. Instead, your failure to act sends a message of disrespect and unwillingness to honor the person who helped mold your political career. What are you waiting for?

Governor Fubara, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and many other political figures immediately recognized Azuta-Mbata’s achievement. They knew this moment was too important to let pass without public acknowledgment. So why haven’t you, Wike? Why are you letting this significant occasion go by without offering your congratulations to the man who helped bring you into the world of politics?

It’s not just that Azuta-Mbata is your political mentor—it’s that he is your kinsman, your elder, someone who has always acted with integrity and foresight. You owe it to him, to your people, and to your own legacy to step forward and acknowledge this moment. Wike, your silence speaks volumes, and it is doing more harm than good. You can’t afford to ignore the growing influence of Azuta-Mbata and the positive impact his leadership will have on Nigerian politics. The longer you wait, the more you risk alienating yourself from a respected figure who has helped shape your political trajectory.

This is not the time for another round of political tension. This is the time for you to show maturity, to rise above petty conflicts, and to honor Azuta-Mbata’s achievement. He has always had your back—now it’s time for you to have his. You can’t afford to let ego or past disagreements cloud your judgment. The respect you show Azuta-Mbata now will define how the public sees you going forward.

Wike, it’s time to put aside your pride and acknowledge Senator John Azuta-Mbata’s remarkable achievement. As someone who owes their political career to Azuta-Mbata, this is the perfect opportunity to showcase humility and give credit where credit is due.

Azuta-Mbata’s influence on your career cannot be overstated. He was instrumental in installing you as the chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government in 1998, a position that catapulted you into the political limelight. It’s surprising that you haven’t been the first to congratulate him on his election as President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.

By publicly recognizing Azuta-Mbata’s accomplishment, you’ll not only be doing the right thing, but you’ll also be demonstrating to the country, your supporters, and your political allies that you can rise above past differences and act with humility. Remember, humility is not about thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.

Don’t hide behind a spokesperson or a press release. Take personal responsibility and congratulate Azuta-Mbata yourself. Show the nation that you’re willing to put aside your pride and give credit where credit is due.

As Confucius and Mother Angelica so aptly put it, “Humility is the solid foundation of all virtues” and “Humility is preserved when I give credit where credit is due”. Don’t let this moment pass, Wike. Take the high road, and show the world that you’re capable of humility and graciousness. Time is running out.

Professor John Egbeazien Oshodi is a Nigerian-American psychologist, educator, and author, renowned for his expertise in cross-cultural psychology, forensic/clinical psychology, and social justice. He has authored numerous publications and presentations, and held academic appointments at Broward College, Nasarawa State University, and Nova Southeastern University. Currently, he practices as a clinical and forensic psychologist, consulting for government entities in the US. He also holds virtual faculty roles at Walden University, ISCOM University, and Weldios University. Notably, he founded the Psychoafricalysis theory in psychology, a groundbreaking contribution to the field. His work continues to inspire and educate Africa, providing prescriptive writings for institutions, public policy, democracy, and scholars and practitioners alike.