Ohaneze election: Okiro pulls out of contest as Chukwu guarantees handy over to Rivers indigene

A former Inspector General of Police, Mike Okiro, has introduced that he has withdrawn from the race for the place of President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in an election slated for Friday January 10, 2025.

Okiro who introduced this throughout a press briefing in Enugu on Thursday, stated defined that his resolution was in compliance with an Enugu State High Court order that barred him from contesting.

The court docket issued the injunction following a swimsuit claiming Okiro is from Imo State, not Rivers State, the place the place has been zoned.

Meanwhile, the outgoing President General, Nze Ozichukwu Fidelis Chukwu, has reaffirmed his dedication handy over the reins of energy to an indigene of Rivers state.

There has been controversy over whether or not a Rivers man must be Ohanaeze President General particularly since some notable Rivers group have denied their Igboness, whereas some core Igbos are averse to a Rivers man turning into Ohanaeze chief.

But Chukwu, nevertheless, said that although his tenure as a President General was very temporary, however “what matters is the impact and legacy with which we will be remembered. The millions of Igbo people all over the world are watching us with more than a passing interest on the quality of Ohanaeze leadership that will be enthroned on January 10, 2025.”

Chukwu made the above remarks through the valedictory session of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of Ohanaeze Ndigbo which was held on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at its National Secretariat, No 7 Park Avenue, GRA, Enugu.  

The Igbo Leader reiterated that the success or failure of any group is a operate of its management recruitment course of, noting that the screening, attraction and electoral committees for the aim of the forthcoming Ohanaeze election comprise women and men whose public information and antecedents are above reproach.

He urged the folks of Igbo extraction in Rivers state particularly and different Igbo states typically to make sure that solely women and men of integrity and confirmed information of accomplishments are put ahead to fill the workplaces zoned to the states in accordance with the rotation rules of Ohanaeze Ndigbo. 

“Every true Igbo looks forward to a vibrant Ohanaeze Ndigbo; a sociocultural organization that comprises men and women of honour, moral rectitude and selfless service, an organization that lives up to expectations and places the Igbo interest first in their policies and programmes,” he stated.

In addition, an Ohanaeze that “every Igbo will embrace with pride irrespective of political leaning, ideological persuasions and  religious affiliations.”

Chukwu emphasised that for one to steer the Igbo, the individual should have confirmed expertise in management roles, notably in cultural organisations, age grades, city unions, market associations or related contexts. 

“Evidently, the person must be well educated with demonstrable leadership traits, including strategic thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills. Not only that, the person must have cultural competence; a deep understanding of Igbo culture, traditions, and values. Above all, such a person must have a profile of strong moral character, transparency, and accountability,” he stated.

The Igbo Leader seized the chance to introduce two Executive Orders: The first is on Membership Registration.

Chukwu lamented that for the reason that Ohanaeze Ndigbo was based in 1976, it has lacked the capability to operate successfully on account of paucity of funds.

He subsequently, proposed that each Igbo ought to pay a registration payment of One Hundred Naira monthly or One Thousand Two Hundred Naira per anum; whereas affiliate organisations can pay Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira yearly. 

He careworn that each proud Igbo will subscribe to the prescribed charges as a result of all of us aspire for a viable Ohanaeze with a robust financial base.

Membership Registration offers one a way of belonging, possession, and participation.

A committee comprising eminent Igbo was constituted to drive the method.

The second Executive Order is the institution of a Presidential Advisory Council (PAC), which is charged with Advisory, Representative, Oversight and Supportive Roles. It supplies advantages of company data and institutional reminiscence. The PAC will provide strategic steering, coverage formulation, stake-holders engagements, neighborhood outreach, mentorship, fundraising, battle resolutions, capacity-building, amongst others. The two government orders have been authorised by the NEC.