Former Inspector-General of Police, Sir Mike Okiro, has withdrawn from the race for president-general of the apex Igbo sociopolitical organization, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
Okiro said he was stepping back until a court determined his state of origin.
Today, he learned about an interim order from an Enugu State High Court that stops him from running in the Ohanaeze election. The plaintiffs had gone to court complaining that Okiro is from Imo State and not Rivers State, which is entitled by Ohanaeze Ndigbo rotational policy to produce the next president-general.
Okiro stated that despite the court order, which is based on claims of non-indigene status, he chose not to participate, even though he had not been formally served.
“Unfortunately, the court did not invite me or hear from me before giving that obnoxious order which I got from the media,” he said in a statement he released.
“The facts are that I hail from Egbema in Rivers State, as shown by my National Population Commission Attestation of Birth. My traditional ruler, the Nzeobi of Egbema, has also confirmed my indigene status in Rivers State.“
He added that he has ”written many books in which my indigeneship of Rivers State is shown in the author’s column. A good example is my best-selling book, ‘Nigeria: The Restructuring Controversy’.”
He pointed out, “Page 6 of my biography written by Mr. Dozie Okebalama also shows my indigeneship of Rivers.”
Okiro further claimed that he has “attended many Imeobi meetings where I represented Rivers State. As a student at the University of Ibadan, I was a member of the Rivers State Students’ Association, where I was elected Treasurer.”
He recalled, “I represented Rivers State during the South-South People’s Assembly meetings. My records and credentials speak for themselves.”
Okiro asserted, “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. My obedience to court orders, no matter how unfavourable, demonstrates our commitment to democracy. The rule of law safeguards our society. Its principles must be upheld. Our democratic values are non-negotiable.“
He declared, “I will not participate in any election pending the final determination of the matter.“
Mr. Okiro said, “his commitment to law and order remains unwavering.” However, he insists, “The reliefs granted in the order against me appear to undermine my fundamental rights guaranteed in Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution.”
Barr. Uche Okwukwu exposes truths about Mike Okiro illegitimacy to contest as Ohaneze PG. pic.twitter.com/TezJk4aQnA
— Nnaa Mehn Tv (@NnaaMehnTv) January 7, 2025
“My distinguished career as IGP underscores my dedication to justice and what is noble,” he concluded.
Mr Okiro said he had instructed his lawyers from Eze Okafor & Co. to pursue the case thoroughly. “I demand to be heard, and I am sure that the court will ensure that the principles of natural justice are observed in handling the case.“
“I urge my immediate community, Egbema, the entire Igbo-speaking people of Rivers State, and all my supporters in Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Enugu, Anambra, and Delta to stand by the rule of law throughout this contest.“
Okiro thanked Governor Siminialayi Fubara for his “unwavering support.” He said, “I assure all of you that we shall overcome this minor setback as our democratic values are non-negotiable.”
“Okiro Is From Rivers State” – Traditional Ruler
Yesterday, the traditional ruler of the Mgbede community in Egbema, Eze Everestus Ginikanwa Amuda JP, spoke in support of Okiro. He stated, “Okiro hails from my community and is a member of my council.”
Amuda dismissed claims that Okiro is not from Rivers, calling it a “calculated attempt to tarnish his image and deny his roots.” He affirmed, “Sir Mike was born in Oguta, Imo State, but his parents are from Mgbede community in Rivers State.”
He concluded, “Sir Mike joined the Nigeria Police Force as a Rivers State indigene and honourably retired as IGP as an indigene of Rivers State. His records are there for all to see, and his state of origin was never in doubt.”
Comment, Like, share this article, and Follow us on our social media handles.
WhatsApp Channel
Telegram Channel
For Your Local Weather Update
