Mike Okiro, the former Inspector General of Police, has withdrawn from the race for the position of President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo following a court order issued by an Enugu State High Court.
In a press briefing in Enugu on Thursday night, Okiro announced that the court’s interim order, which bars him from contesting the election scheduled for January 10, 2025, had influenced his decision.
The court’s ruling, which questioned his indigene status, came as a shock to him, as he had not been informed or invited to defend himself prior to the order being issued.
Okiro responded to the court’s decision, saying: “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.”
He went on to provide several pieces of evidence to support his claim of being an indigene of Rivers State, including his National Population Commission Attestation of Birth, confirmation by the Nzeobi of Egbema, publications, and participation in various organizations where he represented Rivers State.
Despite his disagreement with the ruling, Okiro expressed respect for the legal process: “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 further emphasized his unwavering dedication to justice and the rule of law, stating, “My distinguished career as Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police underscores my dedication to justice and what is noble.”
Okiro confirmed that he would not participate in the election until the court resolves the matter, which is currently before Justice N.R. Oji of the Enugu State High Court.
“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),” he added.
Okiro reassured his supporters, particularly in his community of Egbema, as well as Igbo-speaking people across several states, urging them to uphold the rule of law during this period.
He also expressed his gratitude for the support of Governor Siminialayi Fubara of Rivers State.
Concluding his statement, Okiro reaffirmed his dedication to the ideals of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, emphasizing unity, progress, and peace for Igbo people.
He remains confident that the legal system will uphold justice and that the challenges faced during this contest will be overcome in due course.
