Ohanaeze Presidency: Okiro Vows To Tackle Insecurity in South-East

As the election for the new President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo approaches, former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mike Okiro, has committed to using his extensive experience to address the security challenges in Igboland. Okiro is one of five contenders vying for the position in the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, and he believes his leadership qualities, experience, and inclusive approach make him the best candidate.

Okiro emphasized his commitment to improving the culture, economy, and security of the region, particularly addressing the insecurity that has plagued Ndigbo. He highlighted his previous achievements, including his pivotal role in the establishment of the Niger Delta Amnesty program during President Umaru Yar’Adua’s administration, which helped restore peace in the region and boosted oil production. Okiro said he would use his connections and experience to collaborate with various stakeholders to bring stability to the South-East.

Speaking on his roots, Okiro clarified that he hails from Rivers State, distinguishing it from Imo State’s Ohaji-Egbema area, and provided personal history to support his claim. He expressed confidence that his endorsement by the Rivers Chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo strengthens his chances in the upcoming election.

Meanwhile, the leadership of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) assured that the January 10 election into the National Executive Committee of Ohanaeze Ndigbo would be peaceful. MASSOB leader Uchenna Madu emphasized that any eligible Igbo elder, including those from Rivers State, is qualified to contest for the position of President-General. He also affirmed that Okiro, a true son of Rivers State, is fully qualified to run for the role unless disqualified by the Ohanaeze Ndigbo screening committee. MASSOB warned against any disruptive actions at the election venue, urging peace throughout the process.