The Secretary General of Chidi Ibeh-led faction of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro has said that it is with unwavering resolve and deep concern that Ohanaeze Ndigbo addresses the glaring dereliction of duty exhibited by the Southeast Governors in their abject failure to secure the release of Nnamdi Kanu.
According to Isiuguzoro this negligence is not mere oversight; it is, quite blatantly, an intentional betrayal of the collective will and aspirations of the Ndigbo people.
Mazi Isiuguzoro in a statement disclosed that on the 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.
He said during the occasion, the Southeast Governors publicly committed to approaching President Bola Tinubu with a singular objective: to advocate for the release of Nnamdi Kanu. But regretted that 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.
He said, “Recent statements from one governor, proclaiming that Nnamdi 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 rank insincerity must be condemned unequivocally. Such statements sound more like desperate attempts to pacify discontent among constituents rather than authentic commitments to justice.
“The Governor’s 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, Nnamdi Kanu”.
Continuing, he said, “The Nnamdi 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 the Abakaliki Airport—a significant event attended by former President Buhari—a faction of Ohanaeze engaged in calculated sabotage of negotiations to secure Kanu’s release, acting under the directives of a Southeast 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”.
He informed that as the Igbo group seek to rectify this grievous situation, they propose a multifaceted strategy to encourage the release of Nnamdi Kanu which includes:
Mobilise International Influence: Mazi Isiuguzoro proposed that Ndigbo must urgently engage the American 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. He said this connection must not be overlooked in their quest for justice.
Strengthen Alliances with Traditional Leaders: He also disclosed that the group proposed that an immediate outreach to both the Oba of Lagos and the Sultan of Sokoto is essential. These influential figures, according to him, could serve as critical mediators and advocates, facilitating urgent dialogues that may lead to a favourable outcome for Kanu.
Call for Ceasefire Among Agitators: He said the group proposed for a strategic ceasefire from all agitation groups during this sensitive period is vital. Noting that this act will create a peaceful atmosphere conducive to negotiations and political compromise.
The former national youth president of Ohanaeze Ndigbo emphasised that “it is evident that the Southeast Governors have exhibited a disheartening reluctance to stand by Nnamdi 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 our leadership and their 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 Southeast Governors to reflect on the gravity of their inaction and to recommit themselves to the moral obligation of securing justice for Nnamdi Kanu and the collective aspirations of our people”, he stated.
Moving forward, Mazi Isiuguzoro stated that the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation shall engage the Ndigbo community internationally and locally, to ensure that the call for justice is not just heard but acted upon.
“The destiny of Nnamdi Kanu and the integrity of our leadership are intertwined in a manner that demands immediate redress,” he said.