|
Listen to article
|
Former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo convened a meeting with leaders of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, where discussions regarding the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, and the escalating insecurity in the South-East region held top priority.
Chief Okey Emuchay, the Secretary-General of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, disclosed on Friday that Chief Olusegun Obasanjo engaged in a private meeting with Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the President of the group, at his Owerri, Imo State residence.
Chief Okey Emuchay, in a statement on Saturday, revealed that Chief Olusegun Obasanjo delved into discussions with Ohanaeze chieftains during the prolonged meeting, addressing issues of ‘mutual interest.’
He also described the meeting as ‘very symbolic and crucial’, adding that the deliberations were fruitful.
He further noted that the outcome of the meeting would soon manifest and would be appreciated by Igbo people worldwide.
The statement titled, ‘Issues of mutual interest were discussed’, read in part, ‘Our president-general informed Chief Obasanjo that Nigeria should erect monuments in his (Obasanjo’s) name for the sacrifices he has made.’
“He recalled Obasanjo’s role in ending the civil war with the slogan ‘no victor, no vanquished’.
‘Iwuanyanwu lauded Obasanjo’s patriotic and diplomatic initiatives as president that resulted in the country’s debt cancellation and his administration’s rejuvenation of the economy.’
‘He assured the former president that the Igbo people would bestow a befitting honour on him at an appropriate time for his love for the region.’
‘Remember that when Chief Obasanjo was president, he appointed several Igbo sons and daughters into high positions in his cabinet. A sense of belonging was provided to the Igbo nation during that time.’
Meanwhile, a source, who was present at the meeting with the former President, revealed to our correspondent that Kanu’s release and issues of insecurity plaguing the region were ‘thoroughly’ discussed.
Read also: Releasing Nnamdi Kanu Achievable This Year — Deputy Speaker
‘After deliberations on some matters of mutual interests, the leaders of Ohanaeze in their wisdom brought up Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s matter. He is our son. We will not deny him. Obasanjo and Ohanaeze discussed the matter thoroughly and assurances were given. That is all I can say right now but I am sure that the leadership of Ohanaeze will make more details known in due time,’ the source, a member of the executive of Ohanaeze, said.
Our correspondent also learnt that Obasanjo was accompanied on the visit by the Asiwaju of Owo Kingdom, Otunba Oyewole Fasawe.
Also at the meeting were some Igbo leaders and Ohanaeze chieftains, including Emuchay; former Minister for Aviation, Ambassador Kema Chikwe, Bishop Sunday Onuoha of Methodist Church Nigeria; Former National Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (South-East), Chief Fidelis Ozichukwu; former Abia State Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the PDP, Chief Tony Ukasanya.
Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu has steadfastly voiced the need to halt the alleged marginalization of the region while simultaneously advocating for the unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from detention.
In a press conference held on Tuesday, June 29, 2021, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, disclosed that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu was arrested and extradited from Kenya. Interpol intercepted him in the East African nation on Sunday, June 26, 2021.
Furthermore, he clarified that Nnamdi Kanu’s return to Nigeria was for the purpose of facing trial on charges of treasonable felony filed against him at the Federal High Court in Abuja. These charges are a result of years of separatist agitation for an independent Republic of Biafra through IPOB.
Since then, he has been regularly brought to court for legal proceedings while under the custody of the Department of State Services.
