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ENUGU, Nigeria (CHATNEWSTV) — The Alaigbo Development Foundation (ADF) has firmly opposed any attempt to impose former Inspector General of Police Mike Mbama Okiro as President General (PG) of Ohaneze Ndigbo, urging adherence to the organization’s constitution to ensure fairness and credibility in its upcoming leadership election.
In a statement released Saturday by ADF National President Professor Ukachukwu Awuzie, the group emphasized that Rivers State should rightfully produce the next PG, based on the rotational leadership stipulated by Ohaneze’s constitution.
“Ohaneze Rivers State should ensure that they put their house in order to claim what is rightfully theirs,” the statement read. “We challenge all good-spirited Ndi Igbo in Rivers State to stand up and support candidates who are administratively exposed and not ashamed of their Igboness.”
ADF warned against any manipulation to impose Okiro, stating such actions could deepen perceptions of Ohaneze Ndigbo being controlled by political elites.
The group also renewed its appeal for the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), who remains in prolonged detention. ADF criticized the disparity in the judicial system, referencing the recent House of Representatives order for the release of a detained leader of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association.
“It is condemnable and unacceptable that people who committed heinous crimes are set free while a freedom fighter remains in detention,” ADF said, describing the situation as discriminatory and harmful to national unity.
The group also condemned the arrest of human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi, warning that using judicial officers and security agencies for political vendettas undermines democracy. “Democracy thrives on adherence to the rule of law,” ADF stressed, urging the judiciary to remain impartial.
ADF called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to address the growing economic hardship, warning that the worsening hunger in the country is reminiscent of the post-genocide policies against Ndi Igbo.
“The government should ensure that the unwarranted pains Nigerians are enduring are stopped forthwith,” the group urged.
