A socio-cultural group based in Rivers State, Ogbako Egbema Alinso, has formally endorsed former Inspector General of Police, Sir Mike Mbama Okiro, to succeed Nze Ozichukwu Chukwu as the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide. This follows the decision of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization to zone the leadership position to Rivers State after the tenure of the late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, which is being completed by Chukwu.
The group, represented by its National President-General, Francis Igwebuike Ifi, made the announcement during a press briefing in Egbema, Rivers State. Ifi emphasized that Okiro is a bonafide indigene of Egbema in Rivers State and enjoys the full support of the local community. “Sir Mike Mbama Okiro is an Egbema man from Rivers State. He is qualified and has the blessings of his people to vie for the position,” Ifi stated.
Despite the group’s endorsement, questions have been raised about Okiro’s state eligibility. Critics argue that Okiro, whose maternal roots are in Rivers State, hails from Ohaji-Egbema in Imo State. They claim that his identification with Rivers State is tied to his career in the Nigerian Police Force, where he allegedly declared his maternal lineage to secure employment opportunities because of Biafra war.
His Royal Majesty Eze Everistus Amuda, the Nzeobi of Egbema in Rivers State, supported Okiro’s candidacy. “Dr. Okiro is a member of my palace and a son of Egbema. He has our full support,” Amuda said.
Sir Mike Mbama Okiro, Nigeria’s first Igbo Inspector General of Police (2007–2009), holds several academic qualifications, including degrees in English, Public Administration, and Law. Born in Oguta, Imo State, in 1949, he has served in various capacities, including his tenure as IGP, where he was succeeded by Ogbonna Onovo from Enugu State.
The Ogbako Egbema Alinso group also used the occasion to address ongoing extrajudicial killings along the boundary between Egbema in Rivers State and Egbema in Imo State. Describing the situation as alarming, Ifi called for urgent government intervention to stop the killings, which have left the community in distress.
As the election for the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide approaches, scheduled for January 10–11, 2025, debates about Okiro’s eligibility continue to dominate discussions. Can a man with paternal roots in Imo State but maternal ties to Rivers State represent Rivers in this capacity? This question remains pivotal as Ohanaeze Ndigbo seeks to elect itGroup endorses ex-IGP Mike Okiro for Ohanaeze Ndigbo President-General amidst controversy
A socio-cultural group based in Rivers State, Ogbako Egbema Alinso, has formally endorsed former Inspector General of Police, Sir Mike Mbama Okiro, to succeed Nze Ozichukwu Chukwu as the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide. This follows the decision of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization to zone the leadership position to Rivers State after the tenure of the late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, which is being completed by Chukwu.
The group, represented by its National President-General, Francis Igwebuike Ifi, made the announcement during a press briefing in Egbema, Rivers State. Ifi emphasized that Okiro is a bonafide indigene of Egbema in Rivers State and enjoys the full support of the local community. “Sir Mike Mbama Okiro is an Egbema man from Rivers State. He is qualified and has the blessings of his people to vie for the position,” Ifi stated.
Despite the group’s endorsement, questions have been raised about Okiro’s state eligibility. Critics argue that Okiro, whose maternal roots are in Rivers State, hails from Ohaji-Egbema in Imo State. They claim that his identification with Rivers State is tied to his career in the Nigerian Police Force, where he allegedly declared his maternal lineage to secure employment opportunities because of Biafra war.
His Royal Majesty Eze Everistus Amuda, the Nzeobi of Egbema in Rivers State, supported Okiro’s candidacy. “Dr. Okiro is a member of my palace and a son of Egbema. He has our full support,” Amuda said.
Sir Mike Mbama Okiro, Nigeria’s first Igbo Inspector General of Police (2007–2009), holds several academic qualifications, including degrees in English, Public Administration, and Law. Born in Oguta, Imo State, in 1949, he has served in various capacities, including his tenure as IGP, where he was succeeded by Ogbonna Onovo from Enugu State.
The Ogbako Egbema Alinso group also used the occasion to address ongoing extrajudicial killings along the boundary between Egbema in Rivers State and Egbema in Imo State. Describing the situation as alarming, Ifi called for urgent government intervention to stop the killings, which have left the community in distress.
As the election for the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide approaches, scheduled for January 10–11, 2025, debates about Okiro’s eligibility continue to dominate discussions. Can a man with paternal roots in Imo State but maternal ties to Rivers State represent Rivers in this capacity? This question remains pivotal as Ohanaeze Ndigbo seeks to elect its next leader.s next leader.
Peoplesmind
