Ex-IGP, Mike Okiro, withdraws from Ohanaeze president election

Sir Mike Okiro, former Inspector-General of Police, has withdrawn from the race for President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo until the court case challenging his state of origin is determined.

He said he was made aware of the Enugu State High Court’s interim order, which restrained him from contesting the Ohanaeze election today.

Okiro said despite the court order, which is based on alleged non-indigene status, contradicting verifiable facts, he opted not to participate in the election despite having not been served.

His statement reads: “It is unfortunate that the court did not invite me or hear from me before giving that obnoxious order which I got from the media.

“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 of Rivers State.

“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”.

“Page 6 of my biography written by Mr. Dozie Okebalama also shows my indigeneship of Rivers.

“I have attended many Imeobi meetings where I represented Rivers State in the attendance list compiled by the Secretary-General.

“As a student at 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.

“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.

“As an Igbo man and elder statesman of Rivers State extraction, which said position has been zoned to by the electoral committee, 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. I believe in the principles of the rule of law as the rule of law ensures our collective progress.

“The rule of law safeguards our society; its principles must be upheld, our democratic values are non-negotiable, together we will emerge stronger. Our stance for justice, due process and rule of law shall vindicate us.

“I will not participate in any election pending the final determination of the matter.

“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).”

Okiro said his distinguished career as IGP underscores his dedication to justice and what is noble.

He added: “I have instructed the Chambers of Eze Okafor & Co, my lawyers to pursue the case to its logical conclusion to ensure that the purveyors of hate and lawlessness are brought to book in line with our enabling laws.

“As provided by our constitution, I demand to be heard, and I am sure that the court will ensure that the twin pillars of natural justice will be observed to the letter in handling the case. We have not lost hope in our judicial system.

“I urge my immediate community Egbema, the entire Igbo-speaking people of Rivers State who are solidly behind me and all my supporters across Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Enugu, Anambra, and Delta to stand by the rule of law throughout the period of this contest.

“Our resolve strengthens Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s unity and progress. Together, we’ll navigate this challenge.”

Okiro thanked Governor Siminialayi Fubara for his “unwavering support”.

“I assure all of you that we shall overcome this minor setback as our democratic values are non-negotiable,” Okiro said.

Also yesterday, the traditional ruler of the Mgbede community in Egbema, Ogba in Ndoni, Rivers State, Eze Everestus Ginikanwa Amuda JP, said Okiro hails from his community and is a member of his council.

Amuda dismissed claims that Okiro is not from Rivers, saying it was a calculated attempt to tarnish his image and deny his roots.

The monarch said in a statement on behalf of the Nzeobi of Egbema, the Nzeobi-in- Council and the entire Egbema clan in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni that Okiro’s Rivers roots have never been in doubt.

He said: “While Sir Mike Mbama Okiro KSJI Agulaechemba Egbema was born in Oguta in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State, his parents are from Mgbede community in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.

“Sir Mike joined the Nigeria Police Force as a Rivers State indigene from Mgbede community in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA of Rivers State and served in the Force where he 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 or questioned.

“While a student at the University of Ibadan, Sir Mike was the treasurer of Rivers State Students Association University of Ibadan chapter.

“Sir Mike, Agunaechemba Egbema, is my cabinet member.”

The monarch asked those spreading the falsehood to desist from raising doubts about Okiro’s roots.

The Igbo Elders Council also endorsed Okiro for President General of Ohaneze.

In a statement by Nze Uchechukwu Enweremmadu, the Council said Okiro is the only living retired senior police officer to have worked with nine heads of state and Presidents.

The statement reads in part: “Why is Sir Mike Okiro the best candidate for the position of Ohaneze Ndigbo?

“With his track record of helping to bring about peace and economic stability to two geopolitical zones of Southwest and Southsouth of Nigeria, we believe he can replicate same in the Southeast of Nigeria and indeed all Igboland by ending the isolation of Igbos in Nigeria.

“Sir Mike Okiro is loved, trusted and respected far beyond the bounds of Igboland and the borders of Nigeria.

“This is the kind of leadership we the Igbos need to lead us at this critical time where building bridges across various divides has become imperative to achieve collective Igbo and national development.”