Sir Mike Okiro, the former Inspector General of Police, has stepped back from the competition for the role of President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo. According to DAILY POST, Okiro disclosed this during a press conference in Enugu on Thursday. His decision was based on a ruling from an Enugu State High Court that prohibits him from participating in the election. Below is the complete text of his press briefing. “My beloved brothers and sisters, I, Sir Mike Okiro CFR, candidate for President General in the upcoming Ohanaeze Ndigbo Election on January 10, 2025, speak to you today with determination. I have learned of the Enugu State High Court’s temporary order that unfortunately prevents me from participating in the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide Presidency General Election tomorrow. This court order, based on claims about my non-indigene status, goes against established facts.” It is regrettable that the court did not reach out to me or consider my perspective before issuing that unpleasant order that I learned about through the media. The facts are (a) that I come from Egbema in Rivers State, as indicated by my National Population Commission Attestation of Birth. My Traditional Ruler, the Nzeobi of Egbema, has also verified that I am a native of Rivers State. (c) I have authored several books that highlight my indigenous roots in Rivers State in the author’s section. An excellent illustration is my top-selling book, called “Nigeria: The Restructuring ‘Controversy.” (d) Page 6 of my biography by Mr. Dozie Okebalama also indicates that I am a native of Rivers.
