A former aspirant in the recently concluded Ohaneze Ndigbo election and former Inspector General of Police, Mike Okiro, has dismissed reports claiming that a court order barred him from participating in the election.
Naija News reports that Okiro labeled the reports as false and urging the media to exercise caution in disseminating information to the public.
During a media briefing in Port Harcourt, Okiro criticized the reports as misleading and deceitful.
He explained that he initially acted in compliance with what he believed to be a legitimate court order because of his commitment to obeying the law.
“In the evening of Tuesday 7th January, 2025, my attention was drawn to a media news where it was said that I was barred from the election into the post of President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo by a court order issued at Enugu High Court,” he said.
Sir Okiro recounted the steps he took after hearing the news, including engaging a lawyer to confirm the legitimacy of the court order.
Despite his efforts, his lawyer was unable to obtain the necessary documentation in time to challenge the purported order before the election process began.
The former IGP further stated that the screening panel refused to allow him to participate in the election, citing the alleged court order. However, he later discovered that no such court order existed in the proceedings obtained by his lawyer.
“What the media showed the world was false, deceitful and misleading, and I fell into it because I am law abiding,” he remarked.
Sir Okiro went on to explain that the case filed against him sought an injunction to bar him from participating in the election, but no order was granted by the court.
Instead, the court had only authorized the respondents to be served and scheduled a hearing for a later date.
“Ladies and gentlemen, Ndigbo worldwide, my supporters, Nigerians, there was no court order at all in the court proceedings. NO COURT ORDER BARRING ME FROM THE ELECTION,” he emphasized.
Addressing those who criticized his decision to obey the supposed order, Okiro underscored his belief in respecting judicial authority, even at personal cost.
He called for action against those responsible for spreading false information, urging the police, the Nigerian Bar Association, and the media to uphold higher standards of integrity and accountability.
He concluded by congratulating Senator John Mbata on his election and pledging his unwavering support for the progress of Ndigbo worldwide.