John Azuta-Mbata, born in January 1960 in Rivers State, Nigeria, is a distinguished politician and public administrator. He earned a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Ibadan, Oyo State, equipping him with a solid foundation for his career in public service.
Azuta-Mbata’s career began with his involvement in the academic sector, serving as a member of the Governing Council of the Rivers State University of Science and Technology in Port Harcourt. This role underscored his commitment to advancing educational development within the region.
In 1999, with Nigeria’s return to democratic governance, Azuta-Mbata was elected as the Senator representing the Rivers East constituency under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) platform. His election marked the commencement of a significant legislative career at the national level. During his tenure, he served on several key Senate committees, including Defense, Works and Housing, Women Affairs, Finance and Appropriation (where he held the position of vice chairman), Information, Special Projects, and Local and Foreign Debts. His active participation in these committees highlighted his dedication to addressing critical national issues and contributing to legislative processes.
Azuta-Mbata’s political journey was not without challenges. In April 2005, he was among several lawmakers arraigned by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over allegations of involvement in a N55 million budget bribe scandal. The charges alleged that the accused had demanded, received, and shared funds to facilitate the passage of the Education Ministry’s budget. After extended legal proceedings, on June 1, 2010, the Court of Appeal in Abuja quashed all charges against him, discharging and acquitting him of any wrongdoing.
On January 10, 2025, Azuta-Mbata was elected as the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, a prominent socio-cultural organization representing the Igbo people. His election is historically significant, as he is the first individual from Rivers State to hold this esteemed position. This development underscores a shift towards inclusivity within the organization, recognizing the contributions of Igbos from the South-South region to the broader Igbo agenda.
As President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Azuta-Mbata is expected to leverage his extensive experience in governance and public service to address critical issues affecting the Igbo community. His leadership is anticipated to focus on fostering unity, promoting socio-economic development, enhancing security, and improving political representation for Ndigbo both within Nigeria and in the diaspora. His election has been met with optimism, with many viewing it as an opportunity to strengthen the organization’s role as a cohesive and influential voice for the Igbo people.
Throughout his career, Azuta-Mbata has demonstrated a commitment to public service and a dedication to the advancement of his community. His academic background, coupled with his legislative experience, positions him as a capable leader poised to navigate the complexities of representing a diverse and dynamic constituency. As he assumes the mantle of leadership within Ohanaeze Ndigbo, stakeholders and observers alike will be keen to see how his tenure will impact the organization’s trajectory and the broader socio-political landscape of Nigeria.
