A faction of Ohanaeze Ndigbo – the highest Igbo socio-cultural organization, has claimed that some governors and politicians of the SouthEast region may be undermining ongoing negotiations for the possible release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu – leader of the separatist group, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
In a statement signed by its Secretary General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, it said the opposition to Kanu’s release were based on selfish political interests rather than on the general good of the region.
The organization warmed those attempting to prevent Nnamdi Kanu from being released to reconsider their stance or face the wrath of the people.
Ohaneze welcome “the Federal High Court Abuja’s directive to both parties to explore negotiations and settlements”.
However it remarked that “amidst this ray of hope, there are troubling signs of dissent and selfish motives within certain quarters. Some Southeast Governors, political elites, and misguided elders seem intent on obstructing the progress toward Nnamdi Kanu’s freedom“.
The group also pointed fingers at Finland-based Simon Ekpa – a former U.S. Army officer, now the self-acclaimed Prime Minister of Biafran government in-exile. He is thought to be aiding some dissident groups in the region.
“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”.
The statement says “Ohanaeze Ndigbo will not stand idly by as these governors continue to undermine the interests of the people for their gains”.
Mr. Kanu has been undergoing trial since 2016 on several charges. He briefly escaped Nigeria in 2017 when the military struck at his home at Afara-Ukwu, Ibeku, Abia State, but Nigeria’s covert operatives were able to “extraordinarily rendition” him back to Nigeria from Kenya in 2021.
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