The apex Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has accused Southeast governors, Igbo leaders, and National Assembly members of conspiring to prolong the detention of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), until 2027.
In a statement issued by the factional Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the organization blamed Southeast governors for the worsening security situation in the region. The group criticized these leaders for failing to provide the necessary assurances to explore political solutions for Kanu’s release.
The statement expressed disappointment that some Southeast governors and Igbo leaders were content with photo opportunities at the DSS facility, instead of actively seeking political resolutions for Kanu’s freedom.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo decries and highlights the conspiracy by Southeast governors, Igbo elders, and National Assembly members to prolong Nnamdi Kanu’s detention until 2027,” the statement read.
“The failure of some Southeast governors to utilize their political influence to advocate for Kanu’s release is regrettable and underscores a preference for self-interest over communal welfare.”
The organization emphasized the critical need for unity among Southeast governors and notable Igbo figures, including Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Pa Ebitu Ukiwe, and Sen. Ike Nwachukwu, to provide the federal government with assurances regarding Kanu’s future conduct after his release.
“Regrettably, it seems some Southeast governors and Igbo elites have chosen to exploit Nnamdi Kanu’s detention for personal gain, political leverage, and the pursuit of relevance,” the statement continued.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo expresses deep concern over the behavior of Southeast governors, senators, representatives, religious leaders, traditional rulers, and other prominent Igbo figures who prioritize visits to Kanu in detention over seeking his release and addressing the pressing security challenges in our region.”
The group called for Ndigbo to hold Southeast governors, Igbo elders, National Assembly members, and traditional rulers accountable for the prolonged detention of Nnamdi Kanu, instead of blaming 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,” Isiguzoro added, urging all stakeholders in the Southeast to put aside personal ambitions and unite in the effort to secure Kanu’s release and address regional security challenges.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has been appealed to by the leader of the Ijaw nation, Edwin Clark, to direct Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, to file a nolle prosequi for Kanu’s release. Clark emphasized that Kanu’s freedom on political grounds is long overdue.
