The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has expressed concern over the abandonment of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) by leaders of the South-East region.
Ohanaeze said the negligence exhibited by the South-East governors, senators, members of the House of Representatives, traditional and religious rulers is not merely a matter of oversight but a glaring betrayal of their responsibilities to the Igbo people.
The group stated that to the proactive measures undertaken by political leaders in other regions, particularly in northern Nigeria, where governors have openly engaged in dialogue with individuals linked to abhorrent acts of violence, the leaders of the South-East have retreated into a conspiratorial silence.
According to Ohanaeze, Northern governors have shown an alarming readiness to negotiate with bandits who have perpetrated grave injustices against innocent civilians, while South-East leaders are conspicuously absent from any meaningful engagement concerning the plight of our own.
The organisation further noted that the South West has witnessed a commendable consolidation of leadership aimed at addressing pressing security challenges, including the formation of robust security outfits that have fostered a sense of safety.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the factional Deputy- President-General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and Chief Chinenyeze, Ohanaeze added that the leadership of the region rallied effectively to advocate for the release of Yoruba activist, Mr. Sunday Igboho, showcasing a united front in their pursuit of justice.
Regrettably, the pan-lgbo body said concerted efforts are lacking among South East leaders regarding Nnamdi Kanu, who has languished in detention since 2021 without just cause.
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“The stark reality is that the primary beneficiaries of Nnamdi Kanu’s continued incarceration are the Igbo political elites who have engaged in a despicable game of evasion.
“These leaders, while professing concern and solidarity, have opted instead to cultivate a muddied culture of deceit that aims to placate public sentiment without championing any genuine resolution.
“They exploit the situation surrounding Nnamdi Kanu as a facade to win favor and bolster their popularity among the populace, offering nothing of substance in return.
“Critical questions remain unaddressed: Why do Igbo politicians prioritize visits to Nnamdi Kanu in detention rather than making earnest attempts to engage with President Tinubu to advocate for his release?
“Why do religious leaders and traditional rulers prefer photo opportunities inside FCT courtroom settings, rather than exerting their influence behind closed doors for substantive negotiations?
“Why do our stakeholders favor a public media trial over a discreet pursuit of justice through legitimate legal channels?”the group asked.
