The upcoming election for the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, has ignited discussions and endorsements. Scheduled for January 10-11, 2025, the election follows the appointment of Nze Ozichukwu Chukwu to complete the term of the late Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu. With the position zoned to Rivers State, a socio-cultural group, Ogbako Egbema Alinso, has publicly endorsed former Inspector General of Police, Mike Okiro, for the prestigious role. This endorsement, however, has sparked debate regarding Okiro’s eligibility, specifically his ethnic ties to Rivers State.
Ogbako Egbema Alinso, through its National President-General, Francis Igwebuike Ifi, unequivocally affirmed Okiro’s status as a Rivers indigene, emphasizing his roots in Egbema, a community within the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area. Addressing a press conference in Egbema, Ifi dismissed insinuations questioning Okiro’s origins and reiterated the group’s unwavering support for his candidacy. He stressed the unity of the Egbema people, transcending political divides, and urged Okiro to pursue the Ohanaeze Ndigbo leadership with the full backing of his community. Ifi further appealed to those questioning Okiro’s eligibility to recognize his qualifications and refrain from attempts to discredit him based on his origins.
Reinforcing this position, His Royal Majesty, Eze Everistus Amuda, the Nzeobi of Egbema, corroborated Okiro’s affiliation with the community. He confirmed Okiro’s membership in the Nzeobi palace, highlighting his deep-rooted connection to the area. Eze Amuda unequivocally stated Okiro’s qualifications for the President-General position, dismissing any doubts about his eligibility. The combined endorsements from the Ogbako Egbema Alinso and a prominent traditional ruler underscore the community’s strong belief in Okiro’s suitability for the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
The endorsement of Okiro coincides with the group’s urgent call for an end to extra-judicial killings plaguing the boundary region between Egbema in Rivers State and Egbema in Imo State. Expressing profound concern, Ifi condemned the escalating violence, citing the recent tragic death of a pregnant woman as a stark example of the prevailing insecurity. He questioned the identity of the perpetrators and demanded an immediate halt to the killings, emphasizing the threat they pose to the very existence of the Egbema people.
The Ogbako Egbema Alinso’s plea reflects the deep anxieties of the community facing persistent violence and insecurity. The group’s condemnation of extra-judicial killings underscores the urgent need for intervention and protection for the vulnerable populations residing in the border region. Their call for an end to the killings highlights the broader issue of security and safety within the region, demanding accountability and justice for the victims.
In summary, the endorsement of Mike Okiro for the President-General position of Ohanaeze Ndigbo by Ogbako Egbema Alinso is intertwined with both affirmations of his identity and urgent pleas for peace and security in the region. The group’s strong support for Okiro, despite questions surrounding his eligibility, underscores their belief in his leadership potential. Simultaneously, their condemnation of the extra-judicial killings highlights the pressing need to address the violence plaguing the border communities and ensure the safety and security of its residents. These intertwined issues underscore the complex social and political dynamics at play in the region, demanding attention and action from relevant authorities.
