By Lukman Olabiyi
The Igbo Elders Council (IEC) has officially endorsed Sir Mike Okiro as the preferred candidate for the position of President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
In a statement released by Nze Uchechukwu Enweremmadu, the council commended Okiro’s distinguished career and his significant contributions to national peace and security.
Okiro, a retired senior police officer, was praised for his extensive experience, having served under nine successive Nigerian leaders, including Generals Muhammadu Buhari, Ibrahim Babangida, Sani Abacha, Abdulsalami Abubakar, Olusegun Obasanjo, Musa Yar’Adua, Goodluck Jonathan, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Notably, Okiro also served as Commissioner of Police during Tinubu’s tenure as Lagos State governor.
Enweremmadu highlighted Okiro’s exceptional ability to resolve critical national issues peacefully, citing his successful management of the Odua Peoples Congress (OPC) crisis in Lagos State.
He stated that Okiro’s diplomacy during the crisis is credited with averting a potential economic and social breakdown, thereby stabilising Lagos and reinforcing the Southwest region’s position as Nigeria’s leading economic zone.
Additionally, the IEC noted Okiro’s vital role in the formation of the Niger Delta Amnesty Programme, which led to the surrender of thousands of weapons and a major increase in Nigeria’s oil production, from 600,000 barrels per day to 1.6 million barrels per day.
The council emphasised that Okiro’s proven track record in fostering peace and promoting economic recovery across the Southwest and South-South regions uniquely positions him to bridge divides and inspire positive change in the Southeast.
In a related development, the traditional ruler and people of Mgbede community in Egbema, Ogba in Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State have vehemently rejected rumours claiming Okiro is not from Rivers State.
The community issued a statement refuting the misinformation and affirmed that Okiro, while born in Oguta, Imo State, hails from Mgbede, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA in Rivers State.
HRM Eze Everestus Ginikanwa Amuda JP, the Nzeobi of Egbema, issued a statement on behalf of the community, stressing that Okiro’s roots in Rivers State are well-documented and indisputable.
The statement also urged the public to disregard any publications seeking to undermine Okiro’s identity as a legitimate indigene of Rivers State.
Okiro’s contributions to the nation and his deep ties to his community were reaffirmed by the Egbema clan, who called on all concerned parties to cease spreading false claims about their respected son.