In a fiery statement issued on February 16, 2025, the apex Igbo sociocultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has unleashed a scathing critique of Southeast governors, accusing them of inaction and political cowardice in the prolonged detention of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). As reported by Akelicious.net, Ohanaeze demanded Kanu’s immediate release ahead of the 2027 elections, linking the issue to their conditional support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid. The group’s unequivocal stance has reignited debate over Kanu’s fate, the governors’ leadership, and the broader quest for stability in Nigeria’s Southeast.
Ohanaeze minced no words, branding the governors’ approach as “playing the ostrich”—a metaphor for their apparent refusal to confront the issue head-on. Signed by Deputy President General Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the statement condemned what it called a “persistent and unacceptable stalemate” surrounding Kanu’s incarceration. Arrested in 2015, released on bail in 2017, and rearrested in 2021 after fleeing abroad, Kanu remains in custody facing treason charges, a situation that has fueled unrest in the region. Ohanaeze argued that the governors’ failure to advocate decisively for his freedom betrays the trust of the Igbo people. “Their lethargy is disheartening,” the group declared, urging the leaders to abandon “counterproductive ostrich politics” and prioritize collective Igbo aspirations.
The organization pointed to a specific promise made by the Southeast governors during a widely publicized meeting in Enugu on July 2, 2024, where they pledged to engage President Tinubu to secure Kanu’s release. Yet, Ohanaeze highlighted “shocking allegations” from Kanu’s family, claiming the governors have since dodged invitations from the presidency to discuss the matter. This perceived inaction has prompted Ohanaeze to threaten a “forensic intelligence inquiry” to uncover the reasons behind what they describe as the governors’ “profound nervousness and cold feet.” The group suggested that political self-interest—particularly concerns about re-election and a rumored vice-presidential ambition among the five governors—may be paralyzing their resolve.
Ohanaeze’s demands go beyond rhetoric. They warned that continued hesitation could lead to electoral consequences, vowing to “mobilize the electorate to express their discontent through their votes” if the governors fail to act. More strikingly, the organization tied Kanu’s release to their political strategy, stating that their “strategic support” for Tinubu’s 2027 re-election “hinges exclusively” on his administration freeing Kanu. They positioned this as a quid pro quo, arguing that Igbo backing could shield Tinubu from “northern conspiracies” threatening his presidency, while Kanu’s release would be a “reciprocal gesture” to the Igbo nation. “We firmly believe the incessant insecurity challenges plaguing the Southeast will gradually diminish upon Kanu’s release,” they added, framing it as a pathway to lasting peace.
The group offered itself as a potential surety, pledging to provide guarantees to the presidency that Kanu’s release would align with agreed terms. “We are prepared to sacrifice our liberties,” Isiguzoro stated, signaling Ohanaeze’s readiness to take bold steps where the governors have faltered. This grassroots approach, they argued, would fill the leadership vacuum if the governors continue to evade responsibility. The statement also extended solidarity to Kanu’s family, acknowledging their frustrations and reinforcing Ohanaeze’s commitment to justice.
This salvo from Ohanaeze comes amid a shifting narrative in the Southeast. Just days earlier, on February 2, 2025, Abia State Governor Alex Otti had suggested that the Biafra struggle transcends Kanu, emphasizing a desire for equal rights over secession—a view that contrasts with IPOB’s hardline stance. Ohanaeze’s demand, however, refocuses attention on Kanu as a central figure, rejecting any notion that his detention can be sidelined. It also amplifies earlier criticisms, such as a December 2024 accusation that some Southeast leaders were sabotaging Kanu’s release for personal gain, highlighting a pattern of internal division.
The governors—Alex Otti (Abia), Chukwuma Soludo (Anambra), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), Peter Mbah (Enugu), and Hope Uzodimma (Imo)—now face mounting pressure. Their silence or perceived reluctance risks alienating a populace already frustrated by insecurity and economic stagnation, issues many link to Kanu’s detention and IPOB’s disruptive tactics, like sit-at-home orders. Ohanaeze’s threat to bypass them with “indigenous approaches” suggests a potential escalation if diplomatic channels falter.
As Nigeria edges toward 2027, Kanu’s fate remains a political litmus test. Ohanaeze’s ultimatum ties it directly to Tinubu’s fortunes, challenging both the president and the governors to act. Whether this pressure yields results—or fractures Igbo unity further—will shape the region’s trajectory in the years ahead.
Post a Comment
0Comments