Why Igbo Governors, Leaders Abandoned Nnamdi Kanu – Ohanaeze Ndigbo

P.M.EXPRESS reports as was contained in a press release by the group signed by their Deputy National President, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro and National spokesman, Chief Chimereze Ohia respectively.

It stated:

“The Apex Igbo Sociocultural Organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, finds it imperative to communicate a profoundly distressing reality to the public regarding the abandonment of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).”

“The negligence exhibited by the Southeast Governors, Igbo Senators, Members of the House of Representatives, the Southeast Traditional Rulers Forum, and the College of Bishops is not merely a matter of oversight but a glaring betrayal of their responsibilities to the Igbo people.”

“In stark contrast to the proactive measures undertaken by political leaders in other regions, particularly in Northern Nigeria, where governors have openly engaged in dialogue with individuals linked to abhorrent acts of violence, the leaders of the Southeast have retreated into a conspiratorial silence. Northern governors have shown an alarming readiness to negotiate with bandits who have perpetrated grave injustices against innocent civilians, while our Southeast leaders are conspicuously absent from any meaningful engagement concerning the plight of our own. In the Southwest, we have witnessed a commendable consolidation of leadership aimed at addressing pressing security challenges, including the formation of robust security outfits that have fostered a sense of safety. The leadership of that region rallied effectively to advocate for the release of Yoruba activist, Mr. Sunday Igboho, showcasing a united front in their pursuit of justice. Regrettably, such concerted efforts are sorely lacking among our own leaders regarding Nnamdi Kanu, who has languished in detention since 2021 without just cause.”

“The stark reality is that the primary beneficiaries of Nnamdi Kanu’s continued incarceration are the Igbo political elites, who have engaged in a despicable game of evasion. These leaders, while professing concern and solidarity, have opted instead to cultivate a muddied culture of deceit that aims to placate public sentiment without championing any genuine resolution. They exploit the situation surrounding Nnamdi Kanu as a facade to win favour and bolster their popularity among the populace, offering nothing of substance in return.”

“Critical questions remain unaddressed: Why do Igbo politicians prioritize visits to Nnamdi Kanu in detention rather than making earnest attempts to engage with President Tinubu to advocate for his release? Why do religious leaders and traditional rulers prefer photo opportunities inside FCT courtroom settings rather than exerting their influence behind closed doors for substantive negotiations? Why do our stakeholders favour a public media trial over a discreet pursuit of justice through legitimate legal channels?”

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo unequivocally rebukes the hollow proclamations put forth by certain Igbo leaders, who loudly clamour for Kanu’s release without any accompanying commitment to action. It is essential to convey the uncomfortable truth: the only impediment to Nnamdi Kanu’s freedom is the absence of sincere assurances from Igbo leaders to President Tinubu that Nnamdi Kanu would conduct himself with integrity post-release. Tragically, no governor, senator, or influential leader among us is prepared to take the necessary risks that would facilitate his release.”

“In conclusion, Ohanaeze Ndigbo reassures Ndigbo that we remain steadfast in our belief that President Tinubu will facilitate Nnamdi Kanu’s release before the close of 2025. We owe it to our collective conscience to confront this issue with the seriousness it demands, and we call upon our leaders to align their actions with the aspirations and needs of the Igbo people” the statement concluded.