By VICTOR NWACHUKWU

South-South Youth Wing, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Worldwide has backed former Inspector-General of Police, Mike Okiro, to become Ohanaeze President-General when Nze Ozichukwu Chukwu completes the tenure of late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.

Co-ordinator of Ohanaeze Youth Wing South-South zone, Chief Chinedu Arthur-Ugwa, disclosed this while addressing newsmen in Owerri, on Wednesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Chukwu, whose tenure will end on Jan. 10, 2025, was appointed to lead the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation following the death of Iwuanyanwu.

The Imo Chapter of Ohanaeze, led by Mr C J Ihemedu, presented Chukwu to the Imeobi Ohanaeze to complete the four year-tenure allotted to Imo, which was truncated by the deaths of Prof. George Obiozor in 2022 and Iwuanyanwu in 2024.

Arthur-Ugwa said that with the ceding of P-G to Rivers, the South-South youths of Ohanaeze found it most appropriate to back Okiro, whom he described as “eminently qualified for the coveted position “.

He said that youths of the south-south, having understudied Okiro’s precedence, considered him as the round peg for the round hole, and would therefore readily support his emergence.

“We, the Ohanaeze South-South youths consider Okiro as a father figure, a mentor, leader and achiever whose leadership track records, charisma and love for nation speak volumes.

“We, therefore, believe that given his vast experience, exposure and contacts, he possesses the capacity to fill the shoes left by our former leaders, if given the opportunity.

“As Rivers prepares to produce the next P-G, we pledge our moral support for Mike Okiro and promise to rally around him and purchase the nomination form,” he said.

He thanked all leaders of Ohanaeze for promptly and unanimously agreeing to bring Chukwu on board and expressed optimism that he would unify and ensure a smooth transition of power.