BY ANTHONY OCHELA, ABUJA
Two United States of America-based Civil Society Organisations, CSOs, Rising Sun Foundation and Ambassadors for Self-Determination, have accused Igbo political leaders of being unfaithful to the bid to get the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, out of detention.
The groups claimed that the reluctance of Igbo political leaders, particularly the governors and those aligned with Ohanaeze Ndigbo to advocate for Kanu’s freedom is deeply troubling and worrisome.
This is, however, as the groups acknowledged that the Bola Tinubu-led presidency is gradually shifting towards the request of Igbo people for Kanu’s release from incarceration.
In a statement yesterday in Abuja, the CSOs said the Igbo nation and beyond should no longer remain silent as Kanu endures the unbearable conditions of detention in the Directorate of State Services, DSS.
The statement was jointly signed by Chief Maxwell Emole, Nduru Chebe Oha, and Dr Remy Okea, on behalf of Rising Sun Foundation Inc. USA, as well as Engrs Evans Nwankwo and Benjamin Nwankwo for Ambassadors for Self-Determination.
“The actions of Igbo political leaders reflect a disheartening trend of prioritising personal political ambitions over the collective welfare of the people.
“In public, they may call for his release, yet behind closed doors, they engage in negotiations that ensure his continued imprisonment.
“This duplicitous behaviour encapsulates the phrase ‘maramara n’ihu, gwompiti n’azu,’ highlighting their tendency to play both sides for their gain,” the statement said.
However, they demanded that Igbo leaders in Nigeria and the diaspora should rise in unity for the release of the detained agitator and for the future of the people.
The groups said as Kanu marks 30 months of “unjust incarceration,” it is imperative that Igbo leaders amplify their voices against the violation of his rights, especially in the light of several court orders demanding his unconditional release.
