By Bon Peters
Dim Uchechukwu Nnam Okwukwu, a candidate for the position of President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, has pledged to foster unity among Igbos if elected in the upcoming election slated for January 10, 2025. However, the election faces controversy as other contestants from Rivers State have expressed their determination to boycott any process involving the inclusion of former Inspector General of Police, Chief Mike Okiro, as a candidate representing Rivers State.
This declaration was made during a press conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital.
Okwukwu’s Leadership Vision
Okwukwu, an indigene of Elele, an Igbo community in Rivers State, emphasized that the secrecy surrounding the election venue, scheduled for January 9-10, 2025, was for security reasons.
He lamented the existential threats facing the Igbo community, stressing the need for bold, selfless, and people-focused leadership. A former Secretary-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo and a member of Ime-Obi, Okwukwu highlighted his contributions to the advancement of Igbo interests and urged delegates to vote based on conscience.
“Igbos in Rivers constitute a sizeable proportion in terms of population and landmass. Proper collaboration with other ethnic groups would strengthen political and social aspirations,” he stated.
Okwukwu underscored that the position of President-General was zoned to Igbo indigenes of Rivers State, questioning the eligibility of Chief Mike Okiro, whom he claimed hails from Obiakpu in the Egbema axis of Imo State.
Repositioning the South-East
Okwukwu outlined his plans to address insecurity and economic stagnation in the South-East, pledging to work toward regional development and alignment with other chapters. He also promised to establish a Sovereign Trust Fund managed by an independent Board of Trustees to ensure transparency and financial prudence.
According to him, the local government areas representing Igbos in Rivers include Obigbo, Omuma, Etche, Ikwerre, Obio/Akpor, Port Harcourt, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, Ahoada East, and Ahoada West, excluding the Engenni tribe.
Electoral Controversy
Rising from a press conference, some contestants, including Chief Fyneface Amechi and Chief Jackson Omenazu, expressed their disapproval of Chief Mike Okiro’s candidacy as a representative of Rivers State.
“Any individual, organization, or agent of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide that deals with Chief Mike Okiro as a Rivers candidate for the January 2025 election will be seen as an enemy of the indigenous people of Rivers State,” they declared.
They vowed to boycott any activity that recognizes Okiro as a Rivers candidate, including the election itself.
Efforts to obtain a response from Chief Mike Okiro proved unsuccessful, as he did not answer calls or respond to text messages at the time of filing this report.
Written by Bon Peters
Port Harcourt, Rivers State