Ohanaeze Ndigbo, an apex Igbo socio-cultural group in Nigeria, plans to have a meeting following President Muhammadu Buhari’s declaration that he will not facilitate the release of the leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that Ohanaeze insisted on a political solution to Kanu’s issue.
It would be recalled Igbo leaders under the aegis of Highly Respected Igbo Greats had appealed to Buhari to ensure the release of Kanu. This was during their visit to the West African nation’s leader in Aso Rock last November. At the time, Buhari told the Igbo leaders that he will consider their request, although it was a tough demand.
However, in an interview with Channels TV which was aired on Wednesday, the President dismissed their plea, saying he would not interfere with the judiciary.
Now, Punch is reporting that Ohanaeze Ndigbo officials are meeting very soon over this latest development.
Ohanaeze spokesman Chief Alex Ogbonnia, stated this while reacting to the president interview on political solution in releasing Kanu.
Ogbonnia said, “Ohanaeze position is very clear and constant. We have looked at the whole scenario and we are convinced that Nnamdi Kanu’s case and IPOB can only be solved through a political solution. It is unfortunate that the Presidency or the president hasn’t appreciated the Ohanaeze position and by extension the Igbo position or the Igbo leadership position on this matter. But we are very confident that by time we will meet him early this year he will understand it more.”
Kanu is a controversial Nigerian separatist leader based abroad. He is also a British citizen. After his rearrest in Kenya, and subsequent transfer to the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Nigeria, he is charged with treason.
His trial is fixed for January 18 in Abuja.
This is total wickedness and inhuman treatment from the leader