Ohanaeze Ndigbo has tasked the five South-East governors to keep pushing for the release of the incarcerated leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPoB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, saying his release would douse the escalating insecurity in the region.
In a statement, yesterday, by its Secretary-General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Ohanaeze said there was an urgent need for the South-East governors to reassess their strategies in addressing the challenges confronting the region to checkmate some ‘unwarranted’ comments from Finland-based Biafra agitator, Simon Ekpa.
The statement reads in part, “Their insufficient responses to pressing security challenges have allowed ‘inconsequential’ figures, such as Simon Ekpa, to exploit their weakened stance, issuing baseless threats to disrupt economic activities and peace within the region by declaring an illegitimate lockdown from August 28 to September 26, 2024.
“It is disheartening to witness a once-respected region, known for its notable leaders, such as the revered Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Dr. Michael Okpara, Dr. Francis Akanu-Ibiam, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, Dim Odumegwu Chukwuemeka Ojukwu, and Chief Sam Mbakwe, become a source of mockery and ridicule due to the reckless antics of individuals like Simon Ekpa, who conducts his dubious activities from abroad, all the while diminishing our collective dignity.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo calls for an urgent reassessment of the South-East governors’ strategies for addressing these challenges. It is imperative for them to focus on developing solutions rooted in Indigenous methods, leveraging the unique cultural dynamics of the Igbo people rather than relying solely on ineffective conventional approaches.
“We implore our governors to take decisive action towards engaging the Federal Government in the urgent matter of Nnamdi Kanu’s situation.
“Their recent meeting with notable discussions involving former President Olusegun Obasanjo should have paved the way for a collective visit to President Bola Tinubu to advocate for Kanu’s release. Alas, weeks have passed without a follow-up, complicating our plight and encouraging those who propagate violence”.
The Secretary-General said, Ohanaeze Ndigbo remains steadfast in finding genuine pathways to resolve the spiraling insecurity in the South East.
