Injunction Halts Okiro’s Candidacy
An Enugu State High Court has issued an interim injunction that prevents Ohanaeze Ndigbo from accepting former Inspector General of Police Mike Okiro as a candidate in the upcoming January 10 election for the group’s President-General. This decision was in response to a legal motion by Chimenu Amadi, representing the Indigenous Igbos of Rivers State, asserting that Okiro’s candidacy is invalid since he hails from Imo State, contrary to the eligibility requirement that only Rivers State indigenes can contest.
Court’s Rationale for Injunction
The court’s ruling was based on Okiro’s ineligibility due to his state of origin, with the injunction set to remain in place until a more permanent decision is made on the matter. This legal action underscores the contentious issue of regional representation within the socio-political organization.
Election Committee Given Green Light
Alongside the injunction against Okiro, the court also affirmed the authority of the election committee led by Nze Ozichukwu-Chukwu to proceed with the election process. It further restrained certain chieftains of Ohanaeze Ndigbo from disrupting or influencing the electoral process, aiming to preserve order and fairness.
Allegations of Misconduct
Aloy Ejimakor filed a motion highlighting that some members of Ohanaeze Ndigbo were attempting to create chaos and illegality by setting up an unauthorized parallel leadership. This, according to the lawsuit, was a direct violation of the group’s constitution which mandates rotational presidency among the Igbo-speaking states of Delta and Rivers.
Status Quo Maintained
The court has ordered that the current state of affairs be maintained until further judicial review, ensuring that the election proceeds without further interference.
Election Day Approaches
With the election set for January 10, 2025, Ohanaeze Ndigbo will choose a new leader to succeed the late Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, whose term was completed by Fidelis Ozichukwu on an interim basis. This election marks a significant moment for the organization as it navigates through internal politics and regional affiliations.
