The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has advised former Inspector General of Police Mike Okiro to steer clear of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo presidential election, warning that his candidacy would disrupt the organization’s established zoning arrangement.
IPOB emphasized that the next president of Ohanaeze should be from Rivers State, arguing that Okiro, who hails from Imo State, had previously contested against the late Prof. George Obiozor when it was Imo State’s turn to lead.
In a statement signed by IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, and released in Enugu, the group alleged that Okiro’s candidacy was being driven by certain individuals aiming to tarnish his reputation and weaken the organization.
The statement read: “The noble IPOB family, led by Nnamdi Kanu, is aware of the supposed endorsement of Mike Okiro by a group named ‘Ogbako Egbema’ for the position of Ohanaeze President General. This move, orchestrated by influential figures in the Imo State government, seeks to discredit Okiro and destabilize Ohanaeze and Igbo unity. Rivers State’s turn to produce the President General must not be undermined.”
Court Intervention in Ohanaeze Leadership Crisis
Meanwhile, an Enugu High Court has restrained certain Ohanaeze chieftains from interfering with the organization’s upcoming national election, scheduled for January 10. An interlocutory injunction was issued against Chidi Ibe, his Secretary Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and Richard Ozobu, preventing them from disrupting the electoral process initiated by President-General Nze Fidelis Ozichukwu Chukwu.
Despite this, the faction led by Chidi Ibe announced new leadership, with Jackson Omenazu as President General and Isiguzoro as Deputy President General. Former Imo State Governor and Ohanaeze chieftain Ikedi Ohakim has approached the court to ensure a smooth election process.
OYC Re-elects Leadership
The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide (OYC) re-elected Okwu Nnabuike as National President during its meeting in Enugu. Alongside Okwu, the group elected new members of the National Executive Council (NEC), including deputies and representatives from various states and regions.
In his acceptance speech, Okwu reaffirmed the youth wing’s commitment to promoting the economic and political advancement of the Igbo nation.