Egbema, Nigeria – The Egbema ethnic group in Rivers State, under the umbrella of the socio-cultural organization Ogbako Egbema Alinso, has endorsed former Inspector General of Police, Mike Mbama Okiro, for the position of President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
The group made the call on the 29th, December, 2024 ahead of the organization’s upcoming election slated for January 10-11, 2025.
The endorsement follows the zoning of the leadership position to Rivers State after the tenure of Nze Ozichukwu Chukwu, who was appointed to complete the term of late businessman and politician, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, from Imo State.
Speaking at a press briefing in Egbema, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, the National President-General of Ogbako Egbema Alinso, Francis Igwebuike Ifi, declared Okiro’s eligibility, describing him as a true son of Rivers State and a proud member of the Egbema community.
Okiro’s Ethnic Identity Defended
Addressing questions about Okiro’s ethnic qualifications, Ifi firmly stated, “Let’s set the record straight: Sir Mike Mbama Okiro is, in fact, a true son of Rivers State, hailing from the Egbema ethnic group. The notion that he’s not from Rivers State is completely baseless. As an Egbema man, he has the full support and backing of his people to run for the position, and his qualifications speak for themselves.”
Ifi emphasized the unity of the Egbema community, adding, “Egbema is one, regardless of political delineations. If Sir Okiro aspires for any position, the Egbema people fully support him as our own.”
Traditional Leadership Backs Okiro
Echoing this sentiment, His Royal Majesty, Nze Everistus Amuda, the Nzeobi of Egbema in Rivers State, reiterated Okiro’s deep ties to the community. “ Okiro is my son and a member of my palace. He hails from Mgbede in Ogba/Egbema Local Government Area. He is qualified to lead,” the monarch said.
Call to End Violence at Egbema Boundary
In a related development, Ogbako Egbema Alinso decried the spate of extra-judicial killings along the boundary between Egbema in Rivers State and Egbema in Imo State. Highlighting recent incidents, including the fatal shooting of a pregnant woman, Ifi condemned the violence and called for urgent action.
“The Egbema people are exhausted and grief-stricken from repeatedly burying our loved ones, victims of relentless extrajudicial killings at the border. We strongly condemn these senseless acts of violence and urgently call on those responsible to cease their actions immediately, lest the situation spirals further out of control.” he said.
The group urged authorities to intervene and ensure the safety of Egbema residents on both sides of the boundary.
With the upcoming election for the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, the Egbema ethnic group remains resolute in its support for Okiro, expressing confidence in his ability to lead the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization.
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