Apex Igbo Socio-cultural Organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, condemned the persistent and unacceptable stalemate surrounding the prolonged incarceration of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Ohanaeze expressed dismay over inaction exhibited by the Southeast Governors, who appear to be “playing the ostrich” in the grave matter.
A statement issued on Sunday by Ohanaeze’s factional Deputy President-General, Okechukwu Isigozoro, in firmest terms, called on the governors to abandon their counterproductive “ostrich politics” and reevaluate their roles as leaders.
The statement read in part, “The collective aspirations of the Southeast must be prioritized. If there is further hesitation or lethargy in addressing this crucial issue of Kanu’s release, we will mobilize the electorate to express their discontent through their votes in the upcoming elections. This is a stern warning and should not be taken lightly.
“We extend our heartfelt assurances to the family of Nnamdi Kanu, who rightly voice their frustrations regarding the apparent failures of the Southeast Governors. We recall the promises made during the Governors’ meeting on July 2, 2024, in Enugu—a meeting that was broadcast widely and which ostensibly committed these leaders to engage President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in securing Kanu’s freedom.
” The shocking allegations from Kanu’s family, claiming that the Southeast Governors have since declined invitations to discuss his release, warrant immediate and thorough investigation. Ohanaeze Ndigbo will pursue a forensic intelligence inquiry to uncover the motivations behind this disconcerting turn of events.
“The underlying truth suggests that the Southeast Governors are exhibiting profound nervousness and cold feet vis-à-vis engagement with the Federal Government. There is evident trepidation surrounding their ability to provide the necessary assurances to President Tinubu—that post-Kanu’s release, the integrity of the Nigerian state remains intact.
“The fear of impending political ramifications regarding their re-election bids, particularly for four out of five governors and the Vice Presidential aspirations of one among them, underscores a troubling pattern of self-serving politics over communal welfare.
“We must confront this reality with unvarnished clarity: the deliberate nature of this delay in action can be traced back to the psychological scars left from the 2017 court sessions involving Senator Enyinnayah Abaribe, who stood surety for Kanu.
“This historical context cannot be overlooked as it plays a significant role in shaping the current dynamics of leadership within the Southeast.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo strongly condemns the evident lack of political will and leadership tenacity demonstrated by the Southeast Governors. It is incumbent upon them to discard personal interests and focus intently on collective Igbo goals.
“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 Southeast 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 Southeast will gradually diminish upon Kanu’s release and will pave the way for lasting peace and stability.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo pledges absolute commitment to offering ourselves as sureties to President Bola Ahmed 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 Southeast 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.
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