Okiro Withdraws From Ohanaeze Ndigbo President-General Race, Gives Reason

Former Inspector General of Police, Mike Okiro, has announced his withdrawal from the race for the position of President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, citing a court injunction barring his candidacy.

Okiro made the announcement during a press briefing in Enugu on Thursday, emphasizing his respect for the judiciary and adherence to the rule of law.

Naija News reports that the withdrawal follows an order by an Enugu State High Court, which restrained Okiro from contesting the election.

The injunction was based on a suit claiming that Okiro is an indigene of Imo State, whereas the position was zoned to Rivers State.

In a detailed statement delivered on Thursday, Okiro reaffirmed his respect for the rule of law but contested the grounds on which the Enugu State High Court barred his candidacy, asserting that his Rivers State indigene status is well-documented and verifiable.

Okiro emphasized his commitment to upholding judicial processes, despite not being formally served with the court order.

“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 unfavorable, demonstrates our commitment to democracy,” he stated.

He assured supporters that his legal team, led by Eze Okafor & Co., will pursue the case to its logical conclusion.

Addressing The Court Order

The court’s interim order questioned Okiro’s indigene status, claiming he hails from Imo State rather than Rivers State, where the position is zoned. Okiro, however, refuted these claims with extensive documentation.

“The court order, based on alleged non-indigene status, contradicts verifiable facts. I hail from Egbema in Rivers State, as shown by my National Population Commission Attestation of Birth and corroborated by my traditional ruler, the Nzeobi of Egbema,” Okiro asserted.

He also cited numerous instances, including representing Rivers State at Imeobi meetings, his affiliation with the Rivers State Students’ Association at the University of Ibadan, and his role in the South-South People’s Assembly under Chief Edwin Clark.

While stepping down from the race pending the court’s decision, Okiro called for the principles of natural justice to be observed.

“As provided by our Constitution, I demand to be heard, and I am confident the court will ensure that the twin pillars of natural justice are upheld,” he said.

Okiro thanked his supporters across Igbo-speaking states, including Rivers, Imo, Abia, Enugu, Ebonyi, Anambra, and Delta, urging them to remain steadfast.

“Our resolve strengthens Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s unity and progress. Together, we’ll navigate this challenge,” he said, adding that his commitment to the ideals of Ohanaeze Ndigbo remains unshaken.

He highlighted the importance of unity and peaceful coexistence within the Igbo community, describing Ohanaeze Ndigbo as a beacon of harmony and progress.

“I reaffirm my commitment to Ohanaeze Ndigbo ideals: unity, progress, and peace in Igboland. Justice shall prevail; Igbo unity and progress remain our guiding principles,” Okiro declared.

While expressing gratitude to Rivers State Governor Siminialayi Fubara for his unwavering support, Okiro reassured his community and supporters that this setback would not deter his dedication to Igbo unity and justice.

“We shall overcome this minor setback as our democratic values are non-negotiable,” he concluded.