As the January 10th elections for the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo draw near, tensions are escalating within the Igbo socio-cultural organisation, with one prominent think tank issuing a stern warning about the potential imposition of former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mike Okiro as the next President-General.
The Alaigbo Development Foundation (ADF), a leading Igbo advocacy group, has called for transparency and adherence to due process ahead of the crucial vote. The organization, which plays a key role in Igbo affairs, is adamant that the selection of the new leader must follow a fair and widely accepted process, ensuring that the Igbo people are not short-changed.
In a strongly worded statement, Prof. Ukachukwu Awuzie, National President of ADF and former President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), expressed concerns about the credibility of Okiro’s candidacy.
“We are not against any candidate emerging as President-General, but the process must be free and fair,” Prof. Awuzie declared. “We must avoid the imposition of a leader, especially one who may not fully embody the spirit of Igbo leadership or culture.”
The statement from ADF took particular issue with Okiro’s background, arguing that his journey from being a police officer from Rivers State to becoming a prominent figure in the Igbo community does not necessarily align him with the ideals and aspirations of the Igbo people.
“Okiro’s connection to Rivers State, where he was born, is not enough to make him the right candidate for a position as significant as the President-General of Ohanaeze. His association with Imo State due to his brother’s reign as an Eze does not provide enough justification for him to claim leadership of a pan-Igbo body,” Awuzie added.
The ADF further criticized the lack of transparency within the process, specifically pointing to the constitution of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, which mandates the shortlisting of three candidates for the position of President-General before the election. According to the ADF, this requirement has not been adhered to in the lead-up to the vote.
“There are clear rules in place, but we see an attempt to sidestep them,” Prof. Awuzie warned. “The people of Rivers State and indeed the entire Igbo nation deserve to see a list of candidates for the top position and to have a voice in the process.”
The ADF’s concerns are not isolated, as there have been growing fears that the election could be marred by manipulation and undue influence, particularly from political figures seeking to impose a candidate who may not represent the Igbo nation’s interests.
In particular, the ADF has urged Rivers State’s Ohanaeze Ndigbo leadership to ensure that the process is not hijacked by “chameleonic characters” who change allegiance depending on the situation. “We caution the Rivers State Ohanaeze to be vigilant and ensure that they follow the constitution. If they fail, they should not blame others for any negative outcomes,” the statement stressed.
This warning is compounded by the broader political environment, where Igbo leaders continue to express discontent over the state of affairs for the region, particularly in relation to the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
In its statement, the ADF also took a firm stand on the issue, condemning the Nigerian government for the prolonged detention of Kanu, labeling it as a stark contrast to the release of other high-profile figures, such as the leadership of the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, a Fulani group.
“It is unacceptable that a freedom fighter like Nnamdi Kanu remains imprisoned while those who have committed heinous crimes are set free. This unequal treatment speaks to a deeper injustice in our country,” Awuzie stated, drawing attention to what many see as systemic ethnic bias within Nigeria’s justice system.
The ADF’s condemnation of the Nigerian government’s actions extended to the recent detention of lawyer and human rights activist, Dele Farotimi, who was arrested following his vocal criticism of the government. The foundation warned against the use of security agencies and the judiciary for political vendettas, which, according to them, undermines democracy.
The call from the ADF is clear: leadership decisions within Ohanaeze Ndigbo should be made based on the collective will of the people, with due respect for Igbo culture and constitutional processes.
As the January 10th election looms, the pressure is mounting on Rivers State’s Ohanaeze leadership to ensure that the process remains democratic, transparent, and in line with the constitution of the socio-cultural group.
The election of a new President-General is not only about selecting a leader for Ohanaeze; it is seen by many as a critical moment for the Igbo nation as a whole. With the region grappling with issues ranging from political representation to the rights of its people, the choice of leader could have lasting implications.
The ADF’s outspoken stance highlights the increasingly vocal desire among Igbo groups for a leadership that not only respects the wishes of the people but also embodies the values and aspirations of the Igbo nation. As the election draws closer, all eyes will be on the process, and whether the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo will rise above partisan interests to select a leader who truly represents the collective interests of the Igbo people.
