From CHARLES ONYEKWERE, Enugu
Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has described the inability of South-East governors to secure the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, as dereliction of duty and betrayal.
Ohanaeze said the negligence by the governors was not a mere oversight, but a blatant and intentional betrayal of the collective will and aspirations of Ndigbo.
This was contained in a statement yesterday by the Secretary-General of the faction of Ohanaeze Ndigbo led by Chidi Ibeh, Okechukwu lsiguzoro,
The statement reads: “On July 2, an assembly of prominent figures, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo—a respected Yoruba statesman—and Igwe Alfred Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha, convened at the Lion Building, Enugu Government House.
“During this notable occasion, the South-East governors publicly committed to approaching President Bola Tinubu with the singular objective to advocate for the release of Kanu.
“However, more than four months have elapsed since that pledge, yet not a single governor has taken the initiative to engage President Tinubu on this pressing matter.
“Recent statements from one governor, proclaiming that Kanu would soon be released, echo similar hollow promises made last year and serve only as manipulative rhetoric to curry favour with the Igbo populace.
“This insincerity must be condemned unequivocally. Such statements sound more like desperate attempts to pacify discontent among constituents rather than authentic commitment to justice.
“The governors nearness to the attorney- general of the federation and minister of justice—who also served as his lead counsel during his gubernatorial tribunal—is both alarming and indicative of a failure to leverage such advantageous connections for the benefit of our leader.
“The truth is stark: Kanu’s continued imprisonment is not solely a product of local politics, but is compounded by an insidious international conspiracy, supported by certain local interests that are hell bent on silencing dissent.
“It is incumbent upon each and every member of Ohanaeze Ndigbo to reflect on the painful reality that on May 22, 2022, at the opening of Abakaliki Airport—a significant event attended by former President Muhammadu Buhari—a faction of Ohanaeze engaged in a calculated sabotage of negotiations to secure Kanu’s release, acting under the directives of a South-East governor.
“Two principal figures who played pivotal roles in obstructing these negotiations have since passed on, leaving a legacy of betrayal that weighs heavily on our collective conscience.
“As we seek to rectify this grievous situation, we propose a multifaceted strategy to encourage hid release.
“We must urgently engage America’s President-elect, Donald Trump, urging him to exert pressure on Britain’s Prime Minister and President Tinubu, as Kanu was once a vocal supporter of Trump.
“Immediate outreach to both the Oba of Lagos and the Sultan of Sokoto is essential. These influential figures could serve as critical mediators and advocates, facilitating urgent dialogue that may lead to a favorable outcome for Kanu.
“A strategic ceasefire from all agitation groups during this sensitive period is vital. This act will create a peaceful atmosphere conducive for negotiations and political compromise.
“It is evident that the South-East governors have exhibited a disheartening reluctance to stand by Kanu. Furthermore, many Igbo traditional rulers and clerics have alarmingly distanced themselves from this cause. We must ask ourselves: was their past presence in court merely an act of eye service, devoid of genuine commitment?
“This question hangs heavy over our heads as we contemplate the integrity of their leadership and commitment to the welfare of the Igbo nation.
“Let it be abundantly clear: Ohanaeze Ndigbo will not remain silent in the face of such betrayal. We demand accountability from our leaders. The time for complacency has passed; we will not accept mediocrity masquerading as governance.
“We urge the South-East governors to reflect on the gravity of their inaction and recommit themselves to the moral obligation of securing justice for Kanu and the collective aspirations of our people.
“Moving forward, we shall engage the Igbo community internationally and locally, to ensure that the call for justice is not just heard but acted upon.
“The destiny of Kanu and the integrity of our leadership are intertwined in a manner that demands immediate redress.”
