Okiro Denies Court Order Stopping His Participation In Ohanaeze Ndigbo Election

Okiro described the reports as false and urged the media to be more cautious in disseminating information.

During a media briefing in Port Harcourt, Okiro criticized the claims as misleading and deceptive.

He explained that he initially acted in accordance with what he believed to be a legitimate court order due to his commitment to following the law.

“In the evening of Tuesday, 7th January 2025, my attention was drawn to media reports stating that I was barred from contesting for the position of President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo due to a court order issued by Enugu High Court,” he said.

Okiro shared the steps he took to verify the legitimacy of the court order, including consulting with his lawyer. However, he discovered that no such court order existed in the court documents obtained.

The former IGP further stated that despite the screening panel citing an alleged court order to deny him participation, it was later revealed that no such order existed.

“What the media presented was false, deceptive, and misleading. I fell victim to it because I strive to be law-abiding,” he emphasized.

Okiro clarified that while a case was filed seeking an injunction to bar his participation, no court order was granted. The court merely authorized the respondents to be served with the case, with a hearing scheduled for a later date.

“Ladies and gentlemen, Ndigbo worldwide, my supporters, and Nigerians, there was no court order at all in the court proceedings. NO COURT ORDER BARRING ME FROM THE ELECTION,” he reiterated.