The President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Nze Ozichukwu Fidelis Chukwu has reaffirmed his commitment to hand over the reins of power to an indigene of Rivers State on Friday, January 10, 2025.
This is also as the former Inspector-General of Police, Sir Mike Okiro, has withdrawn from the race for President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo until the court case challenging his state of origin is determined.
In a press release made available to PACESETTER and signed by Dr. Alex Ogbonnia, the National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Nze Ozichukwu Fidelis Chukwu stated that though his tenure as a President General is very brief, “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 during 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 organization is a function of its leadership recruitment process. He explained that the Screening, Appeal and Electoral Committees for the purpose of the forthcoming Ohanaeze election comprise men and women whose public records and antecedents are above reproach.
He once more urged the people of Igbo extraction in Rivers State in particular and other Igbo states in general to ensure that only men and women of integrity and proven records of accomplishments are put forward to fill the offices zoned to the states in accordance with the rotation principles 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”.
The Igbo Leader seized the opportunity to introduce two Executive Orders: The first is on Membership Registration.
Chukwu lamented that since the Ohanaeze Ndigbo was founded in 1976, it has lacked the capacity to function effectively due to paucity of funds. He therefore proposed that every Igbo should pay a registration fee of One Hundred Naira per month or One Thousand Two Hundred Naira per anum; while affiliate organizations will pay Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira annually.
The second Executive Order is the establishment of a Presidential Advisory Council (PAC), which is charged with Advisory, Representative, Oversight and Supportive Roles. It provides benefits of corporate knowledge and institutional memory. The PAC will offer strategic guidance, policy formulation, stake-holders engagements, community outreach, mentorship, fundraising, conflict resolutions, capacity-building, amongst others. The two executive orders were approved by the NEC.
The Igbo Leader appealed to the Federal government to put more efforts into the resolution of the state of insecurity in the South East by assisting the states in reviving the industries and thereby providing employments to the teeming youths. He added that to restore peace and order, there is the need for a balance of kinetic and non kinetic approaches.
Okiro withdraws from Ohanaeze election
Mike Okiro
Okiro said he was made aware of the Enugu State High Court’s interim order, which restrained him from contesting the Ohanaeze election today.
Okiro said despite the court order, which is based on alleged non-indigene status, contradicting verifiable facts, he opted not to participate in the election despite having not been served.
His statement reads: “It is unfortunate that the court did not invite me or hear from me before giving that obnoxious order which I got from the media.
“The facts are that I hail from Egbema in Rivers State as shown by my National Population Commission Attestation of Birth.
“My traditional ruler, the Nzeobi of Egbema, has also confirmed my indigene status of Rivers State.
“I have written many books where my indigeneship of Rivers State is shown in the author’s column. A good example is my best seller, titled: “Nigeria: The Restructuring ‘Controversy”.
“Page 6 of my biography written by Mr. Dozie Okebalama also shows my indigeneship of Rivers.
“I have attended many Imeobi meetings where I represented Rivers State in the attendance list compiled by the Secretary-General.
“As a student at the University of Ibadan, I was a member of the Rivers State Students’ Association, where I was elected as Treasurer, and another Great UIte, now Distinguished Senator Andrew Uchendu was elected as Secretary.
“I was representing Rivers State during the meetings of the South-South People’s Assembly under our respected leader, Chief Edwin Clark, where Prof. Pat. Utomi, another Great Nigerian, represented Delta State. My records and credentials speak for themselves.
“As an Igbo man and elder statesman of Rivers State extraction, which said position has been zoned to by the electoral committee, I believe in the rule of law and shall respect the court’s order.
“My obedience to court orders, no matter how unfavourable, demonstrates our commitment to democracy. I believe in the principles of the rule of law as the rule of law ensures our collective progress.
“The rule of law safeguards our society; its principles must be upheld, our democratic values are non-negotiable, together we will emerge stronger. Our stance for justice, due process and rule of law shall vindicate us.
“I will not participate in any election pending the final determination of the matter.
“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).”
Okiro said his distinguished career as IGP underscores his dedication to justice and what is noble.
He added: “I have instructed the Chambers of Eze Okafor & Co, my lawyers to pursue the case to its logical conclusion to ensure that the purveyors of hate and lawlessness are brought to book in line with our enabling laws.
“As provided by our constitution, I demand to be heard, and I am sure that the court will ensure that the twin pillars of natural justice will be observed to the letter in handling the case. We have not lost hope in our judicial system.
“I urge my immediate community Egbema, the entire Igbo-speaking people of Rivers State who are solidly behind me and all my supporters across Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Enugu, Anambra, and Delta to stand by the rule of law throughout the period of this contest.
“Our resolve strengthens Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s unity and progress. Together, we’ll navigate this challenge.”
Okiro thanked Governor Siminialayi Fubara for his “unwavering support”.
“I assure all of you that we shall overcome this minor setback as our democratic values are non-negotiable,” Okiro said.