The apex Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has criticized certain Southeast leaders for allegedly contributing to the prolonged detention of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
In a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the organization accused some Southeast Governors and a former Governor of sabotaging efforts to secure Kanu’s release.
While these leaders publicly advocate for his freedom, Ohanaeze claimed they secretly discourage President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from taking decisive action.
The group alleged that two Governors are prioritizing their political aspirations for the 2027 Vice Presidential slot over the well-being of their people.
Ohanaeze warned that this duplicity worsens violence and insecurity in the region, as these leaders exploit the crisis to amass inflated security budgets while neglecting the suffering of their constituents.
The organization also criticized the Governors for failing to collectively engage President Tinubu with assurances that could facilitate Kanu’s release.
“Why, after five months, have they not succeeded? This failure highlights a troubling disconnect from the realities faced by our people,” the statement read.
Ohanaeze further raised concerns about alleged attempts to manipulate its leadership ahead of the January 2025 elections.
It accused some individuals of trying to install a candidate from Imo State as a representative of Rivers State, allegedly to influence the selection of the next President-General of the organization.
The group also condemned recent comments by a Southeast Governor suggesting that Kanu’s release would not resolve insecurity in the region.
The Governor allegedly proposed confining Kanu to the State Government House, a suggestion Ohanaeze dismissed as insincere and dismissive of the region’s challenges.
However, the organization acknowledged the efforts of Governors exploring innovative approaches, such as granting amnesty to repentant criminals, to tackle insecurity.
Ohanaeze assured the public that behind-the-scenes negotiations are ongoing to secure Kanu’s release.