The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has criticised the Southeast Governors for their inaction regarding the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The group accused the governors of evading their commitments made during a public meeting in Enugu on July 2, 2024, regarding Kanu’s release.
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its Deputy President General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Ohanaeze demanded immediate action from the governors and threatened to launch an investigation if allegations about their refusal to engage with President Bola Tinubu prove true.
The organization alleged that the governors are delaying negotiating Kanu’s release due to their political ambitions.
Part of the statement read: “The blatant inaction displayed by the Southeast Governors, who have chosen to metaphorically “play the ostrich,” is both alarming and unacceptable.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo demands an immediate cessation of this political evasion. The collective expectations of the Southeastern populace have been placed at the forefront, pressing these governors to rise to the occasion or confront the inevitable repercussions manifested through the electorate’s choice at the ballot box.
“We extend our sincerest assurances to the family of Nnamdi Kanu, acknowledging their deep frustrations regarding the Southeast Governors’ failure to honour commitments made during their public meeting on July 2, 2024, in Enugu.
“At this well-publicized convening, the governors made a solemn pledge to engage with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in securing Kanu’s release from detention.
“It has come to our attention that, despite these commitments, there are alarming allegations from Kanu’s family indicating a disturbing refusal among the Southeast Governors to respond to invitations from the President to discuss Kanu’s situation.
“Should these allegations hold water, Ohanaeze Ndigbo will not hesitate to launch a thorough forensic investigation that seeks to uncover the reasons behind this troubling refusal.
“From our analysis, it appears that the Southeast Governors exhibit a palpable nervousness that has translated into a cold-footed approach towards meaningful engagement with the Federal Government.
“The fear gripping them seems rooted in their apprehensions about providing assurances to President Tinubu, specifically that the aftermath of Kanu’s release will not threaten the fragile unity of Nigeria.
“Such trepidation appears to stem from a genuine concern regarding the political implications of Kanu’s potential release on their own re-election bids, particularly for four out of five governors, as well as on the vice presidential ambitions of one among their ranks.”
Ohanaeze Ndigbo, however, stated that it is prepared to take a grassroots approach and offer itself as surety for Kanu’s release.
The group noted that its support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027 is directly to Kanu’s release.
