Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, has accused three South-East governors and some members of the National Assembly from the region of sabotaging the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
In a statement issued by Secretary General Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Ohanaeze Ndigbo alleged that these governors and political leaders are obstructing the out-of-court settlement between the Nigerian government and Kanu due to personal interests.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo warned those obstructing Kanu’s release to consider the repercussions of their actions. The statement noted that the Federal High Court Abuja’s decision to adjourn proceedings until September 2024, with instructions for both parties to explore negotiations, offers a potential path towards justice and reconciliation.
However, the group expressed concern over dissent and selfish motives within certain quarters. They accused some Southeast governors, political elites, and misguided elders of obstructing the progress towards Kanu’s freedom for personal gain.
Additionally, the statement condemned criminals posing as Biafra agitators, such as Simon Ekpa and his cohorts, for exacerbating security issues in the Southeast through violence and criminality.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo particularly criticized a Southeast governor who has consistently impeded Kanu’s release since May 2022 for political reasons and fear of opposition. The group highlighted a missed opportunity during former President Buhari’s visit to Ebonyi on May 5, 2022, as a clear indication of political sabotage by this governor.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo emphasized that the people of the Southeast are tired of the ongoing insecurity and economic disruptions and warned that any attempts to subvert the process towards peace and justice would be sternly dealt with.
