By Chioma Adeoye & Samuel Chukwudi Timothy of Apexreporters Magazine
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide is a crucial body that serves as the umbrella organization for the Igbo people. It plays an important role in advocating for the socio-political and economic interests of the Igbo nation, not only within Nigeria but also on the global stage. As the organization continues to grow, the question arises: Who is best suited to lead it into the future?
Among those contesting, one individual often in the lips of people is Sir Mike Okiro, a respected figure in Nigeria, a former Inspector General of Police (IGP) and Chairman, Police Service Commission. He has an extensive background in leadership and law enforcement. The question often arises; can his skillset translate into effective leadership for Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide as the President General?
After witnessing his performance the other day on Njenje Media and noting his satisfactory answers to questions, we make bold to say that Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide will be in good hands.
Sir Mike Okiro has wealth of experience in leadership, notably during his tenure as Commissioner of Police, Lagos State during the time of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Governor of the State in 1999.
Sir Mike Okiro eventually rose to the position of Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) and later, Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police (IGP) from 2007 to 2009. This role placed him at the helm of one of the most critical institutions in the country, and his work was instrumental in shaping Nigeria’s police force during a particularly turbulent period. His leadership in ensuring law and order, as well as his commitment to reforming the police system, demonstrates his capability to manage large organizations under pressure.
Additionally, during his law enforcement career, he served as the Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), which further underscores his deep understanding of public administration, governance, and human resource management. These roles required balancing political interests, security, public safety, and operational efficiency – a skillset that could serve him well as President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
It is worthy to note that Rivers State which is the home state of Sir Okiro celebrated him as an exemplary son for his service as IGP and Chairman of PSC. It is therefore surprising that some persons of Ikwerre ethnic group are raising eyebrows at Okiro’s origin by insinuating that he is undermining the Rivers State people where they claim he rightly belongs.
Okiro’s leadership experience provides a solid foundation for a role that requires managing diverse opinions, representing the Igbo community on national and international platforms, and navigating complex political terrains.
For the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo to perform excellently, he must possess some key qualities:
• Diplomacy and Negotiation Skills: The ability to navigate complex political relationships is crucial for representing the Igbo people. Okiro’s career in law enforcement, where he often had to mediate between different factions, could make him an adept at managing conflicts and finding common ground among various groups in the Igbo community.
• Vision for the Future: Ohanaeze Ndigbo needs a leader with a clear vision for the future of the Igbo people, both in Nigeria and globally. Okiro’s extensive leadership experience suggests that he has the strategic thinking required to craft policies and initiatives that can address the needs of the Igbo community.
• Integrity and Accountability: The President General must be someone who commands respect and can be trusted with the responsibility of advocating for Igbo interests. Sir Okiro’s reputation for integrity, especially during his tenure as IGP, will help him garner the confidence of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
• Ability to Unite Diverse Factions: The Igbo community, both in Nigeria and abroad, is highly diverse. A strong President General must be able to unify these factions for a common cause. His ability to manage different perspectives in previous leadership roles would translate to success in this area.
Although Sir Mike Okiro is not primarily known for his involvement in the political leadership of the Igbo community, his reputation for service to the nation certainly positions him as someone who understands the importance of community and national development. His leadership in the police force and other national institutions speaks to a broader understanding of national issues that affect the Igbo people.
Moreover, Okiro has a strong network within Nigerian politics and public service, which could be leveraged to bring attention and resources to the Igbo community. His knowledge of governance could also serve to advance the Igbo cause, not only in Nigeria but on the global stage, where the diaspora plays a significant role in economic and political affairs.
While Sir Mike Okiro brings a wealth of experience to the table, there are certain challenges he may face in assuming the role of President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
• Political Perception: Sir Okiro’s tenure as IGP may be seen by some people as too closely tied to the federal government, which could raise concerns among certain factions of the Igbo community about his independence. Perhaps, that his connection with government will impede his ability to navigate any perceived or real political bias/threat against the Ibo people.
• Generational Divide: Like many traditional organizations, Ohanaeze Ndigbo encompasses a wide range of age groups, from the older, more traditional leaders to younger, more progressive voices. Okiro will need to bridge this divide effectively to maintain unity and ensure the relevance of the organization in modern political discourse.
Sir Mike Okiro’s vast leadership experience, integrity, and strategic vision for Nigeria make him a compelling candidate for the role of President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide. While challenges such as political perception and generational divide exist, Okiro’s background suggests that he has the skills to navigate the murky waters.
Ultimately, his success as President General would depend on his ability to unite the Igbo community, both at home and in the diaspora, and to advance the socio-political interests of the people.
Given his record of service and leadership, Okiro has the potential to be a strong and effective President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, as he has the potentials to engage with both the leadership and grassroots sectors of the Igbo community.
A vote for Sir Mike Okiro will be a vote in the right direction.