Ahead of the election of the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo scheduled for Friday, former Inspector-General of Police and major contender, Sir Mike Okiro, has declared his qualifications and vision for the role.
Okiro, who also served as Chairman of the Police Service Commission, stated that his extensive leadership experience, commitment to inclusivity, and robust plans to address the unique needs of Ndigbo position him as the ideal candidate.
Expressing his readiness to champion the aspirations of the Igbo people, Okiro pledged to promote their culture, economy, and security, particularly in light of recent challenges in the South-East region.
“As a retired IGP and former Chairman of the Police Service Commission, I will harness my contacts and collaborate with people and governments across Nigeria to provide quality leadership to Ohanaeze. I will utilise these connections to address the security and socio-cultural needs of Ndigbo worldwide,” he said.
Okiro highlighted his role in the establishment of the Amnesty Programme during President Umaru Yar’Adua’s administration, which restored peace to the Niger Delta.
He noted, “That initiative enabled companies to operate freely and significantly boosted oil production, increasing resources for state and federal governments. I will work with all stakeholders to bring similar stability to the South-East.”
He added, “I have the education, skills, strategies, and experience to mitigate the security challenges in the South-East today. My history and antecedents speak for themselves.”
Addressing concerns about his state of origin, Okiro firmly refuted claims that he is from Imo State, affirming instead that he hails from Rivers State, which the position has been zoned to.
“I am from Rivers State, not Imo State. People should differentiate between Ohaji-Egbema in Imo and Ogba/Egbema/Udoni in Rivers. My records from school to university are clear. At the University of Ibadan, I was Treasurer of the National Union of Rivers State Students in 1974, while Andrew Uchendu, later a Senator, was General Secretary,” he explained.
Okiro expressed confidence in his chances, citing endorsements from key figures, including Chief Lucky Ekeji, President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Rivers State, and Mrs Love Chimezie Meregini, the group’s Women Leader in the state. Both leaders have affirmed his eligibility and commitment to the Igbo cause.
He called on Igbo leaders worldwide to support his bid, emphasising his track record in security and leadership as critical assets to restoring peace and development in Igboland.
“My sterling record in the police and numerous achievements in security put me in good stead to work with various stakeholders to restore permanent peace to Igboland as President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo,” Okiro stated.
The election will determine the next leader of the influential socio-cultural organisation, a role seen as vital to addressing the pressing issues facing the Igbo people.
