Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the leading socio-cultural organization representing the Igbo people, has issued a strong accusation against three South-East governors and several National Assembly members from the region. The group alleges that these political leaders are deliberately sabotaging efforts to secure the freedom of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
In a statement released by Secretary General Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Ohanaeze Ndigbo claims that these governors and their associates are obstructing an out-of-court settlement between the Nigerian government and Kanu. The organization asserts that these leaders are driven by personal interests rather than the welfare of their constituents.
“The recent developments surrounding potential out-of-court settlements between the federal government and Nnamdi Kanu have brought hope to Nigerians and Ndigbo alike,” the statement reads. “The Federal High Court Abuja’s decision to adjourn proceedings until September 2024, with a directive for both parties to explore negotiations, indicates a possible path toward justice and reconciliation.”
However, Ohanaeze Ndigbo warns of troubling signs of dissent within the political elite. “Some Southeast Governors, along with political elites and misguided elders, seem intent on obstructing the progress toward Nnamdi Kanu’s freedom. These individuals, driven by personal interests and avarice, are unwilling to relinquish their grip on power and wealth, even at the expense of justice and peace,” the statement continues.
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The organization also highlighted the actions of criminals posing as Biafra agitators, such as Simon Ekpa and his associates, who perpetuate violence and exacerbate the security situation in the Southeast.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo expressed deep concern over the actions of a particular Southeast Governor who has consistently impeded Kanu’s release since May 2022 due to selfish political reasons and fear of Kanu’s opposition to his government. The statement cited a missed opportunity during former President Buhari’s visit to Ebonyi for the commissioning of the Ebonyi International Airport on May 5, 2022, as evidence of political sabotage by this governor.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo will not stand idly by as these governors continue to undermine the interests of the people for their gains,” the group declared. They also warned that the people of the Southeast are weary of ongoing insecurity and economic disruptions and that any attempts to subvert the process toward peace and justice in the region would be met with strong resistance.
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