The Ohanaeze Ndigbo has alleged that certain political elites are actively working to frustrate the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), by the federal government of Nigeria.
In a statement released on Monday, the group pointed fingers at three Southeast governors, National Assembly members, fake Biafra agitators, certain elders from the Southeast region, and other political figures as being complicit in these efforts for their selfish political gains.
The statement particularly identified a specific Southeast governor who visited Ebonyi for the commissioning of the Ebonyi International Airport on May 5, 2022, during the tenure of former President Muhammadu Buhari, as heavily involved in the plot to prevent Kanu’s release.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo warned that it would no longer tolerate such actions and would sanction those obstructing the efforts to secure Kanu’s release through a potential out-of-court settlement between the federal government and the embattled Biafra leader.
“The recent turn of events regarding the potential out-of-court settlements between the Federal Government and Nnamdi Kanu has kindled optimism among Nigerians and Ndigbo,” said Okechukwu Isiguzoro, secretary general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
“The decision of the Federal High Court Abuja to adjourn the proceedings till September 2024, urging both parties to explore negotiations and settlements under section 17 of the High Court Act, signals a glimmer of hope for justice and reconciliation.”
However, Isiguzoro expressed concern over the discord and self-serving agendas among certain Southeast governors, political elites, and misguided elders, who seem intent on obstructing the path to Kanu’s freedom. These individuals, he claimed, derive personal benefits from Kanu’s continued incarceration and divert state resources under the guise of addressing security challenges in the Southeast.
He further accused certain National Assembly members of exploiting the situation for political gain, forsaking the true objective of securing Kanu’s release.
He also condemned criminals posing as Biafra agitators, led by individuals like Simon Ekpa, for exacerbating the security situation in the Southeast through acts of violence and criminality.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo sternly warns all those who seek to thwart Nnamdi Kanu’s release to consider the gravity of their actions,” Isiguzoro stated.
“The people of the Southeast bear the brunt of the escalating insecurity challenges and the economic fallout resulting from civil disobedience, such as the Sit At Home directives. Any efforts to derail the path towards peace and justice will not go unchallenged and there will be consequences.”
The group highlighted the actions of a specific Southeast governor who has consistently obstructed Kanu’s release for personal political gain.
They noted the missed opportunity during President Buhari’s visit to Ebonyi for the airport commissioning, due to the governor’s interference, as a clear example of political sabotage.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo warned that punitive measures and disciplinary actions would be enforced against any individual or group impeding the Southeast’s journey towards peace and justice.
They urged Kanu’s legal team to remain vigilant against political interference that could jeopardize the process of securing his freedom.
Additionally, Ohanaeze Ndigbo called upon esteemed Igbo leaders and statesmen such as Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Chief Ebitu Ukiwe, and Senator Ike Nwachukwu to lend their credibility and support to the efforts towards Kanu’s release.
The group emphasized that the federal government must receive assurances from these respected figures to advance the out-of-court settlements.
“We are resolute in our commitment to peace, justice, and the well-being of all Ndigbo,” the statement concluded. “The time for change is at hand, and together, we shall forge a path towards a brighter future.”
