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The apex Igbo socio-cultural body, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has alleged that the South-east governors, Igbo leaders, and members of the National Assembly were plotting to prolong the detention of the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, till 2027.
The Ohanaeze Ndigbo has sounded the alarm over the escalating security crisis in the Southeast, accusing the regional governors of negligence and inaction. In a statement, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the group’s Secretary-General, decried the governors’ failure to address the issue, leaving citizens vulnerable to criminal elements.
Isiguzoro said, “Ohanaeze Ndigbo decries and brings to light the plots by South-east governors, Igbo elders, and National Assembly members to prolong Nnamdi Kanu’s detention until 2027.
“The failure of some South-east governors to utilize their political ties to advocate for Kanu’s release is regrettable and underscores self-interest over communal welfare.”
According to the organization, efforts to secure Kanu’s release through political means have been thwarted by the reluctance of Southeast governors and certain Igbo leaders to provide the requisite assurances, leaving the door closed to a potential resolution.
According to Isiguzoro, “Ohanaeze Ndigbo underscores the crucial need for unity and cooperation among South-east governors and esteemed Igbo personalities, such as Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Pa Ebitu Ukiwe, Sen. Ike Nwachukwu, and others, in providing the federal government with assurances regarding Nnamdi Kanu’s future conduct post-release.
“Regrettably, it appears some South-east governors and Igbo elite have chosen to exploit Nnamdi Kanu’s detention for personal gain, political bargaining, and the pursuit of political relevance.”
The organization lamented that some Southeast governors and Igbo leaders have prioritized photo opportunities over meaningful action, visiting Kanu at the DSS facility for publicity stunts rather than working tirelessly to secure his release through political means.
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The statement said, “Ohanaeze Ndigbo expresses deep concern over the behaviour of South-east governors, senators, representatives, religious leaders, traditional rulers, and other prominent Igbo figures who prioritise visits to Kanu in detention over seeking his release and addressing the pressing security challenges in our region.
“It is paramount for Ndigbo to hold South-east governors, Igbo elders, National Assembly members, and traditional rulers accountable for the extended detention of Nnamdi Kanu, and refrain from laying blame on the federal government or President Tinubu.
“The federal government awaits a united stance and commitments from the Igbo community to facilitate a potential release of Nnamdi Kanu.”
The Secretary-General has appealed to all stakeholders in the Southeast to put personal ambitions on the backburner and join forces in the quest for Kanu’s release and a comprehensive resolution to the region’s security challenges.
