Okiro pulls out of race for Ohanaeze president

Okiro withdrew from the race, following a court order served on him last night.

“I will not participate in any election pending the final determination of the matter pending before Hon Justice N. R. Oji of Enugu State High Court, which court gave the restraining order,” the former police boss said at press briefing last night.

“Although I’ve not been formally served with the suit/processes or order, my commitment to law and order remains unwavering, despite the fact that the reliefs granted in the order against me appear to undermine my fundamental right guaranteed in Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

“My dear brothers and sisters, I, Sir Mike Okiro CFR, President-General candidate for Ohanaeze Ndigbo election slated for 10th January 2025 (today) address you today with unwavering resolve.

“I have been made aware of the Enugu State High Court’s interim order, which regrettably restrains me from contesting the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide Presidency General Election tomorrow.

“The court order, based on alleged non-indigene status, contradicts verifiable facts. It is unfortunate that the court did not invite me or heard from me before giving that obnoxious order, which I got from the media.

‘I’m from Rivers’
“The facts are (a) That I hail from Egbema in Rivers State as shown by my National Population Commission Attestation of Birth. (b) My Traditional Ruler, the Nzeobi of Egbema, has also confirmed my indigene status of Rivers State. (c) I have written many books where my indigeneship of Rivers State is shown in the author’s column.

“A good example is my best seller, titled: “Nigeria: The Restructuring ‘Controversy”. (d) Page 6 of my biography written by Mr. Dozie Okebalama also shows my indigeneship of Rivers. (e) I have attended many Imeobi meetings where I represented Rivers State in the attendance list compiled by the Secretary-General. (f) As a student in the University of Ibadan, I was a member of the Rivers State Students’ Association, where I was elected as Treasurer, and another Great UIte, now distinguished Senator Andrew Uchendu was elected as Secretary. (g) I was representing Rivers State during the meetings of the South-South People’s Assembly under our respected leader, Chief Edwin Clark, where Prof. Pat Utomi, another Great Nigerian, represented Delta State.

“My records and credentials speak for themselves.”

Recall that the Enugu State High Court had barred Ohanaeze Ndigbo, from fielding former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mike Okiro as an aspirant or contestant in the election of the the Ohanaeze President-General.

Chimenu Amadi for himself and on behalf of the Indigenous Igbos of Rivers State had filed a motion, asking the court to restrain Okiro from contesting the Presidency because hails from Imo State whereas only indigenes of Rivers State are eligible to aspire for the office.

The pan-Igbo socio-cultural organisation had scheduled fresh elections for its executive positions, following the death of its former president, the late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.

The position is currently held in an acting capacity by Nze Ozichukwu Chukwu.