Apex Igbo Socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide, has announced the full responsibility for the non-release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.
This was coming on the heels of Last Friday’s Supreme Court’s decision declining to release the IPOB leader.
A statement on Sunday signed by Factional Secretary-general of Ohanaeze, Mazi Okechukwu lsiguzoro, said they shared the blame among various stakeholders, including political elites, especially the South-East Governors, Senators, traditional authorities, and the clergy.
The body raises concerns about the actions of South-East Governors, who displayed lack of understanding by placing unwarranted reliance on President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, without taking the necessary steps to address the underlying issues.
The organisation noted that Ndigbo had witnessed numerous claims from governors regarding their visits to President Tinubu and the expected release of Kanu, only to be disappointed with the outcome.
According to Ohanaeze, efforts by South-East Senators to intervene in Kanu’s release in the Senate were unsuccessful due to the perceived lack of commitment from the governors.
Ohanaeze emphasized that the only viable solution for the release of Nnamdi Kanu lies in engaging in confidential dialogues with all non-state actors and Biafran agitators.
It added that the federal government expects Ndigbo to engage in constructive dialogue, finding common ground and establishing a unified agenda before approaching the government with certified conditions for Kanu’s release.
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“Ndigbo also witnessed the unity of purpose among Oduduwa and Yoruba leadership in securing the release of Yoruba Activist, Sunday Igboho. It is concerning to Ohanaeze Ndigbo that certain Igbo elders continue seeking audiences with Tinubu, despite publicly denouncing his inauguration and secretly supporting his removal at the Supreme Court.
“In light of these circumstances, Ohanaeze Ndigbo calls on South-East Governors to convene a dialogue meeting with Biafra agitators, traditional rulers, the College of Igbo Bishops, and Ohanaeze Ndigbo. This inclusive gathering is essential for resolving the issues at hand. Without such a meeting, genuine pathways to peace in the Southeast may continue to elude us.
“The Southeast political elites must establish new rallying points in the absence of esteemed leaders like late Alex Ekweme, Dim Odumegwu Ojukwu, or Pa Mbazulike Amaechi. Respected figures like Ochiagha Ebitu Ukiwe and Archbishop Anthony Obinna should assume leadership roles, as they are the individuals who can command the respect of the Biafra agitators and others.
The organisation appealed to Igbo elders seeking an audience with Tinubu, mediated by the Oba of Lagos, to redirect their efforts toward resolving issues within the Southeast.
“It is crucial to abandon gestures of “charity begins from abroad” and direct focus towards cleaning up the mess in the South-east.
While suggesting that Ohanaeze Ndigbo and the South-East Governors must engage in meaningful dialogue with IPOB and other Biafra agitators before seeking President Tinubu’s intervention for the release of Nnamdi Kanu.
