From CHARLES ONYEKWERE,
Apex lgbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has faulted the Coalition of Northern Groups, CNG, for opposing calls to free the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu.
Ohanaeze countered the group’s position, asserting that if former President Muhammadu Buhari could release Boko Haram terrorists, why won’t President Bola Tinubu’s administration do the same by releasing Kanu.
The lgbo body stated that this misguided barrage of incendiary rhetoric, directed at the Igbo nation, constitutes an affront not only to the dignity of lgbo people, but to the social fabric of Nigeria.
A statement issued yesterday by its factional Deputy President-General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, described the comment as a calculated ploy and part of a sinister northern agenda, aimed at destabilising the fragile harmony that continues to characterise the nation’s multi-cultural society.
The statement stated that CNG’s assertion that all Igbo leaders should be classified as terrorists because they are advocating for a political resolution regarding the release of Kanu, a man best described as a prisoner of conscience, is a grave mischaracterisation that seeks to instigate division and unrest.
Isiguzoro said the campaign against prominent Igbo figures is conspicuously timed, coinciding with increased insecurity in the South East, largely a consequence of the unchecked violence perpetrated by Fulani herdsmen during the previous administration.
He added that during Buhari’s leadership, over 9, 800 Boko Haram terrorists were released through purported rehabilitation programmes that only served to exacerbate the rampant insurgency plaguing the north, and ultimately, catapult terrorism incidents from two states to 15 states.
“This context raises questions regarding the motives of those now seeking to scapegoat Igbo people, amidst the chaos that continues to bedevil our nation.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo finds the recent attacks by CNG tas not only unfounded, but also emblematic of the broader schemes woven by northern opposition leaders to use Igbo people as political pawns in destabilising Tinubu’s administration.
“Such tactics are reminiscent of the cynical maneuvers employed to undermine former President Goodluck Jonathan and it is with this historical awareness that we view the current machinations of CNG.
“This narrative, designed to provoke conflict between communities is simplistic and transparent in its motivation.
“As we witness these troubling developments, we stand firm in our belief that President Tinubu, a duly elected leader and a man of discernment, will recognise the importance of fostering peace and understanding among the diverse ethnic groups that make up our nation.
“We trust that he will honour the overtures from the Igbo community and recognise Kanu’s situation for what it truly is— an issue of conscience rather than hostility.
“We reaffirm that the northern attacks on Igbo people are not merely provocative—they are dangerous. We will not remain passive in the face of attempts to instigate ethnic conflict.
“It is vital now, more than ever, that we stand united against those who would seek to use our diversities as tools for discord and destruction. The path to national unity is paved with mutual respect, understanding and dialogue,” the statement said.
