The Rivers State chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo has officially endorsed former Inspector General of Police, Mike Okiro, for the position of President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, ahead of the organization’s upcoming election scheduled for January 10-11, 2025.

This endorsement comes following the zoning of the leadership position to Rivers State, after the tenure of Nze Ozichukwu Chukwu, who completed the term of the late businessman and politician, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, from Imo State.

Speaking at the endorsement event in Port Harcourt, Chief Dr Lucky Ekeji, the President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Rivers State, affirmed Okiro’s eligibility for the position, emphasizing his roots in Rivers State and his heritage as a proud indigene of the Egbema community. Ekeji strongly countered any claims questioning Okiro’s ethnic qualifications, clarifying that Okiro is indeed a true son of Rivers State, specifically from Mgbede in Ogba/Egbema Local Government Area.

The women’s wing of Ohanaeze Ndigbo also expressed their unanimous support for Okiro, with Mrs. Love Chimezie Meregini, the women leader, praying for wisdom for the incoming president. Meregini highlighted the challenges faced by the Igbos in the country, particularly their marginalization in governance, and praised their entrepreneurial spirit in small and medium-scale businesses.

Okiro, in his response, outlined his vision for Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, focusing on the safety and prosperity of the Igbo people globally, including protecting their investments. He expressed gratitude for the endorsement and reiterated his pride in being a son of Mgbede, an Igbo community in Rivers State, urging supporters to disregard any rumors about his ethnic identity.