April 4, (THEWILL)- The pan Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has disclosed plans to facilitate the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
A statement by the Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, said prominent Igbo leaders were yet to reach out to those who were offended by Nnamdi Kanu, especially those close to President Bola Tinubu.
According to the statement, in a bid to facilitate Kanu’s release, Ohanaeze Ndigbo announces plans for a peace meeting delegation involving key stakeholders such as the OBA of Lagos, Asari Dokubo and the Sultan of Sokoto to advocate for forgiveness and cooperation towards securing Kanu’s freedom.
“In a definitive statement, Ohanaeze Ndigbo reiterates its position on the Biafra movement, emphasising support for a restructured Nigeria under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu while distancing itself from the calls for the restoration of Biafra.
“The recent surge in Biafra sentiments among the Igbo community is attributed to the proliferation of ethnic, tribal, and religious divisions, as well as the Fulanisation agenda under the previous administration led by President Muhamadu Buhari, which ultimately spawned IPOB/ESN under Nnamdi Kanu.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo holds former President Buhari responsible for amplifying Nnamdi Kanu’s influence. Had Buhari effectively addressed the atrocities committed by violent Fulani herdsmen in the South, figures like Sunday Igboho and Nnamdi Kanu would not have been propelled to champion the cause of vulnerable Southern farmers. Consequently, Ohanaeze Ndigbo attributes Buhari to the actions of Nnamdi Kanu.
“Regarding the release of Nnamdi Kanu from detention, it is highlighted that his arrest involved international collaborators, as suggested by former Buhari spokesperson Mr Femi Adesina. While expressing appreciation for the efforts of prominent Igbo leaders to secure Kanu’s freedom, there is a noted lack of outreach to individuals who felt aggrieved by Kanu’s activities, especially those connected to President Tinubu.
“In a bid to facilitate Kanu’s release, Ohanaeze Ndigbo announces plans for a peace meeting delegation involving key stakeholders such as the OBA of Lagos, Asari Dokubo, and the Sultan of Sokoto to advocate for forgiveness and cooperation towards securing Kanu’s freedom.
“Additionally, it pledges to ensure Kanu refrains from broadcasting divisive content against Nigeria’s unity and instead advocates for a restructured Nigeria, following his willingness to engage in negotiations with the Federal Government.
“Furthermore, Ohanaeze Ndigbo cautions against the manipulation of its leadership positions by individuals seeking to extend their tenure through blackmail tactics, falsely branding its elected representatives as Biafra agitators to obstruct the constitutional rights of Rivers State.
“It clarifies that no member of Ohanaeze Ndigbo is affiliated with separatist groups and emphasises a continuous call for Biafra agitators to renounce violence and pursue non-violent avenues for self-determination, allowing security agencies to address criminal elements exploiting the Biafra cause”, it stated.
About the Author
Sunday Ogbu is a professional journalist with eight - twelve years experience that had worked with various print and online media. Sunday specializes in news reporting with the aim of educating his readers on current social, political and economic occurences within his area of coverage. Sunday is a strong force to work with in the media industry and uses his positive attitude and tireless energy to encourage others to work hard and succeed. Sunday is inspired daily by his wife and their four children. In his free time, Sunday likes sight-seeing, reading and discussing issues of societal interest.
