Former Inspector General of Police and leading candidate for the position of Ohanaeze Ndigbo President General, Mr. Mike Okiro, has abruptly pulled out of the race slated for Friday, January 10.
In a statement made available to newsmen in Enugu on Thursday, the retired police chief cited an existing court injunction that bars him from participating in the election.
Though, Okiro’s candidacy had been greeted by an identity crisis.
Chief Okiro had been accused of being an Imo state person and, as such, was not qualified to contest the position reserved for Rivers State indigenes.
The controversy raised by the identity crisis had triggered a lawyer, Aloy Ejiomfor, to approach the Enugu High Court, which restrained him from the race on Wednesday.
Moreover, in the statement announcing his withdrawal, Okiro noted that he had decided to pull out of the race as a law-abiding citizen of the country in compliance with the court order, but reiterated that he remained an indigene of Rivers State.
“As an Igbo man and elder statesman of Rivers State extraction, whose position has been zoned to by the electoral committee, I believe in the rule of law and shall respect the court’s order,” he said.
“My Obedience to court orders, no matter how unfavourable, demonstrates our commitment to democracy. I believe in the principles of rule of law as the rule of law ensures our collective progress.
“The rule of law safeguards our society; its principles must be upheld, our democratic values are non-negotiable, together we will emerge stronger. Our stance for justice, due process and rule of law shall vindicate us.
“I will not participate in any election pending the final determination of the matter pending before Hon Justice N.R Oji of Enugu State High Court which court gave the restraining order.
“Although I’ve not been formally served with the suit/processes or order, my commitment to law and order remains unwavering, despite the fact that the reliefs granted in the order against me appears to undermine my fundamental right guaranteed in Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
“My distinguished career as Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police underscores my dedication to justice and what is noble.
“I have instructed the Chambers of Eze Okafor & Co, my lawyers to pursue the case to its logical conclusion to ensure that the purveyors of hate and lawlessness are brought to book in line with our enabling laws.
“As provided by our constitution, I demand to be heard, and I am sure that the court will ensure that the twin pillars of natural justice will be observed to the latter in handling the case. We have not lost hope in our judicial system”, he said.
However, Okiro urged his immediate community Egbema, the entire Igbo-speaking people of Rivers State behind him, and all supporters across Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Enugu, Anambra, and Delta to stand by the rule of law throughout the contest.
