Apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has accused South East governors of playing the ‘Ostrich’ over the continued detention and trial of the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) by the federal government.
Ohanaeze expressed dismay over the inaction of the South-East governors, regarding the stalemate in the ongoing trial of Kanu, describing their attitude as disheartening and a betrayal of the trust reposed in them by the South East people.
In a statement issued on Sunday by Ohanaeze’s factional Deputy President- General, Okechukwu lsigozoro, the organization called on the governors to abandon their counter-productive politics and reevaluate their roles as leaders in respect of Kanu’s travails.
It argued that the collective aspirations of the South-East must be prioritized, above personal interests, warning that any further hesitation by the governors in addressing the issue of Kanu’s release, Ohanaeze will mobilize the electorate to express their discontent through their votes in the upcoming elections.
Ohanaeze recalled the promises made by the governors on July 2, 2024, in Enugu, wherein they reaffirmed their commitment to engage President Bola Tinubu in securing Kanu’s freedom, and wondered why the same governors are foot dragging over the matter.
Also, it expressed shock at the allegations made Nnamdi Kanu’s family, claiming the South-East governors have declined invitations to discuss his release.
Ohanaeze said the attitude of the governors, suggest that they are nervous and have developed cold feet in engaging with the federal government on Kanu’s release.
The organization condemned the evident lack of political will and leadership by the South-East governors, stating that it is incumbent upon them to discard their personal interests and focus on the collective goals of the South East.
“We declare that in the absence of vigorous advocacy from these leaders, we shall adopt indigenous and grassroots approaches to facilitate Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s release.
“This organization asserts that the South-East governors must not continue to play the ostrich and refrain from decisive actions that could lead to Kanu’s liberation.
“Our strategic support for President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, hinges exclusively on ensuring that Kanu is released from detention.
“We firmly believe that the incessant insecurity challenges plaguing the South-East will gradually diminish upon Kanu’s release, and will pave the way for lasting peace and stability.
Read also: Ohanaeze faults Northern groups opposition to freeing Nnamdi Kanu
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo pledges absolute commitment to offering ourselves as sureties to President Tinubu, reaffirming that any conditions set forth will be honoured to bolster trust and facilitate Kanu’s release.
“We are prepared to go to great lengths, even sacrificing our personal liberties, to achieve this noble objective.
“We humbly urge our fellow Igbos to exercise patience as we navigate the complexities surrounding Kanu’s release.
“The truth underlying these delays must be known; as long as the South-East governors hesitate to forge constructive solutions in collaboration with the Presidency, Ohanaeze Ndigbo stands ready to take the initiative.
“We are confident that unwavering Igbo support can safeguard President Tinubu from any perceived northern conspiracies, aimed at undermining his re-election bid, with the understanding that in return, Kanu’s release will be a powerful reciprocal gesture toward the Igbo nation,” the Ohanaeze said.
