Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, has accused three South-East governors and some members of the National Assembly from the region, of persistent sabotage of freedom of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
The group said that the governors and their cohorts had persistently plotted to frustrate the out-of-court settlement between the Nigerian government and Kanu.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo in a statement issued by its Secretary General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, alleged that the governors and other political leaders were obstructing the progress towards Kanu’s freedom because of their personal interests.
Warning those who seek to obstruct Kanu’s release to be mindful of the repercussions of their actions, Ohanaeze Ndigbo said, “The recent developments surrounding the possible out-of-court settlements between the federal government and Nnamdi Kanu have brought a glimmer of hope to Nigerians and Ndigbo alike.
“The Federal High Court Abuja’s decision to adjourn the proceedings till September 2024, with the directive to both parties to explore negotiations and settlements, indicates a potential path towards justice and reconciliation.
“However, amidst this ray of hope, there are troubling signs of dissent and selfish motives within certain quarters. Some Southeast Governors, along with political elites and misguided elders, seem intent on obstructing the progress toward Nnamdi Kanu’s freedom.
“These individuals, driven by personal interests and avarice, are unwilling to relinquish their grip on power and wealth, even at the expense of justice and peace.”
The statement further read, “Additionally, criminals disguising themselves as Biafra agitators, such as Simon Ekpa and his cohorts, continue to perpetrate acts of violence and criminality, further exacerbating the already dire security situation in the Southeast.
“We express our deep concern over the actions of a particular Southeast Governor, who has consistently impeded Nnamdi Kanu’s release since May 2022 for selfish political reasons and fear of Kanu’s opposition to his government.”
The group said “The missed opportunity during former President Buhari’s visit to Ebonyi for the commissioning of the Ebonyi International Airport on 5th May 2022, due to the governor’s interference, is a clear indication of political sabotage.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo will not stand idly by as these governors continue to undermine the interests of the people for their gains.”
According to Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the people of the Southeast were weary of the ongoing insecurity challenges and economic disruptions that have plagued the region, warning that any attempts to subvert the process towards peace and justice in the region would be sternly dealt with.
