In a dramatic twist ahead of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo President-General election, three aspirants from Rivers State have openly demanded that former Inspector-General of Police, Chief Mike Okiro, withdraw his candidacy. The aspirants, Omenazu Jackson, Fyneface Amechi, and Dim Uchechukwu Okwukwu, claim Okiro is not eligible for the position, alleging he hails from Imo State rather than Rivers.
The trio, who addressed a press conference in Port Harcourt, insisted the presidency of Ohanaeze Ndigbo is zoned to Rivers State, following Imo State’s completion of its tenure. They described Okiro’s candidacy as a “clear attempt to undermine Rivers State’s rightful claim” and called on the organization to protect its integrity by disqualifying him.
Okiro’s Ties to Imo State Questioned
The aspirants provided detailed accounts of Okiro’s alleged roots in Obiakpu Community, Egbema, located in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State. They argued that his familial and traditional affiliations tie him firmly to Imo, making his claim to Rivers nativity questionable.
“Chief Mike Okiro is from Ogwumankwu Village, Obiakpu Community, Egbema, Ohaji/Egbema LGA, Imo State. His age grade, Otu Egobueze, is well known in the community, and its members, including Chief Clement Mmata and Mr. Owuamala Stephen, can attest to this,” they stated.
The aspirants also pointed to Okiro’s late brother, Eze Ozoemela Okiro, who served as the traditional ruler of Obiakpu Community and a member of Imo State’s traditional council during Governor Achike Udenwa’s administration. They questioned how Okiro’s immediate family could be rooted in Imo while he claims Rivers as his state of origin.
“How can someone with such strong familial and traditional ties to Imo State claim to be a Rivers man? Chief Okiro needs to explain this miracle of nativity,” they said sarcastically.
Allegations of Crisis Creation
The aspirants expressed concerns that Okiro’s candidacy could destabilize Ohanaeze Ndigbo, accusing him of attempting to “take what belongs to Rivers people back to Imo State.” They criticized the endorsement he received from Chief Lucky Ekeji, the President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Rivers State, as an “unjustified and divisive move.”
“This is not just about Okiro’s ambition; it’s about the integrity of Ohanaeze Ndigbo as a whole,” they stressed. “Allowing him to contest would set a dangerous precedent and tarnish the organization’s prestige.”
Resistance to Alleged Manipulation
The aspirants also drew comparisons to Okiro’s tenure in the Nigerian Police Force, alleging that he had previously “shortchanged” Rivers people. They vowed to resist any attempt to repeat such an occurrence within Ohanaeze.
“We will not allow history to repeat itself. Okiro cannot masquerade as a Rivers man to hijack this position. This slot belongs to Rivers, and we will defend it vigorously,” they declared.
Background on the Ohanaeze Presidency
Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex socio-cultural organization representing the Igbo people, operates on a rotational leadership system to ensure fair representation among states in the South-East and South-South regions. Imo State recently concluded its tenure, and Rivers State was next in line for the presidency.
Chief Mike Okiro, a retired Inspector-General of Police, is a prominent figure with a storied career in public service. However, his candidacy has now drawn sharp criticism, with accusations that he is attempting to bypass established zoning arrangements.
Call for Transparency
The Rivers aspirants urged Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s leadership to take a firm stand and preserve the credibility of the election process. They called for an independent investigation into Okiro’s claims of Rivers nativity and demanded his immediate disqualification if proven false.
“This is a defining moment for Ohanaeze Ndigbo. The leadership must choose between upholding fairness and allowing its reputation to be tarnished by favoritism,” they warned.
Okiro’s Silence on the Matter
As of now, Chief Mike Okiro has not responded publicly to the allegations or the call for his withdrawal. His silence has only fueled speculation and heightened tensions within the organization.
Broader Implications for Ohanaeze
This controversy comes at a time when Ohanaeze Ndigbo is striving to strengthen unity among the Igbo people amidst rising socio-political challenges. Analysts fear that internal disputes such as this could undermine the organization’s mission and erode trust among its members.
For the aspirants, the stakes go beyond personal ambition. “This is about ensuring that Ohanaeze Ndigbo remains a beacon of fairness and unity for the Igbo people,” they concluded.
