Former Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Mike Okiro has stepped back from vying for the president-general of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the Igbo socio-cultural organisation.
During a press conference in Enugu on Thursday, Okiro announced that his decision to withdraw was based on a court ruling that disqualified him from running for the position due to his state of origin.
An Enugu State High Court recently prohibited Ohanaeze Ndigbo from allowing Okiro to participate as a candidate in the upcoming election for its president-general scheduled for January 10.
The ruling was made following a motion submitted by Chimenu Amadi, who was acting on behalf of himself and the Indigenous Igbos of Rivers State. Amadi requested the court to prevent Okiro from running for the election, arguing that he is originally from Imo State, while the position has been designated for Rivers State.
The former IGP stated that he served as an executive member of the Rivers State Students’ Association while attending the University of Ibadan.
“I have been informed about the Enugu State High Court’s interim order, which unfortunately prohibits me from participating in the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide Presidency General Election scheduled for tomorrow,” he said.
In recent months, Okiro’s state of origin has been controversial, as some candidates have called for him to withdraw from the race.
