Former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Chief Mike Okiro, has withdrawn from the race for the position of President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization. The election is scheduled for Friday, January 10, 2025.
In a statement released Thursday night in Enugu, Okiro cited a court order restraining him from contesting due to allegations questioning his status as an indigene of Rivers State. He described the court’s decision as “unfortunate” and reiterated his identity as a native of Egbema in Rivers State.
Identity Dispute and Court Intervention
Okiro’s candidacy faced challenges over claims that he hailed from Imo State, rendering him ineligible for the position, which had been zoned to Rivers State indigenes. The controversy prompted a legal challenge by lawyer Aloy Ejiomfor, resulting in an Enugu High Court order barring Okiro from participating in the election.
As a law-abiding citizen, Okiro announced his compliance with the court order, stating, “As an Igbo man and elder statesman of Rivers State extraction, I believe in the rule of law and shall respect the court’s order.”
Commitment to Justice and Legal Resolution
Okiro emphasized his dedication to justice and due process, expressing confidence that his legal team would address the issue. “I have instructed my lawyers to pursue the case to its logical conclusion, ensuring that the purveyors of hate and lawlessness are held accountable,” he said.
He also expressed disappointment that the court order appeared to infringe on his fundamental rights, as guaranteed under Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution. Despite this, he affirmed his unwavering commitment to the principles of democracy and the rule of law.
Message to Supporters
Okiro urged his immediate community in Egbema, Rivers State, and the wider Igbo-speaking communities in Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Enugu, Anambra, and Delta States to remain steadfast in their support for the rule of law.
“We have not lost hope in our judicial system,” he said, calling for unity and adherence to democratic values throughout the electoral process.
Okiro’s decision to withdraw underscores the complexities of identity and representation within regional politics, as well as the importance of legal compliance in maintaining democratic integrity.
