Ohanaeze Ndigbo has asked South-East governors to keep pushing for the release of the incarcerated leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPoB), Nnamdi Kanu, saying his release would douse tension and insecurity in the region.
In a statement, yesterday, by its Secretary-General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Ohanaeze said there was an urgent need for South-East governors to reassess their strategies in addressing the challenges confronting the region to checkmate some ‘unwarranted’ comments from Finland-based Biafra agitator, Simon Ekpa.
The statement read: “Their insufficient responses to pressing security challenges have allowed ‘inconsequential’ figures, such as Simon Ekpa, to exploit their weakened stance, issuing baseless threats to disrupt economic activities and peace within the region by declaring an illegitimate lockdown from August 28 to September 26, 2024.
“It is disheartening to witness a once-respected region, known for its notable leaders, such as the revered Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Dr Michael Okpara, Dr Francis Akanu-Ibiam, Dr Alex Ekwueme, Dim Odumegwu Chukwuemeka Ojukwu, and Chief Sam Mbakwe, become a source of mockery and ridicule due to the reckless antics of individuals like Simon Ekpa, who conducts his dubious activities from abroad, all the while diminishing our collective dignity.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo calls for an urgent reassessment of the South-East governors’ strategies for addressing these challenges. It is imperative for them to focus on developing solutions rooted in indigenous methods, leveraging the unique cultural dynamics of the Igbo people rather than relying solely on ineffective conventional approaches.
“We implore our governors to take decisive action towards engaging the Federal Government in the urgent matter of Nnamdi Kanu’s situation.”The Secretary-General said Ohanaeze Ndigbo remained steadfast in finding genuine pathways to resolving the spiraling insecurity in the South-East.
He said the absence of action towards Kanu’s release not only endangered South-East communities, but also allowed criminals masquerading as Biafra agitators to increase under the guise of activism.
“Therefore, we extend a clarion call to the South-East governors: it is time to restore leadership and reclaim control of the region from the clutches of criminal elements. Should they neglect these responsibilities, the repercussions will be dire.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo urges every Igbo individual to disregard the non-existent lockdown proclaimed by Simon Ekpa, and we will no longer tolerate decisions made in absentia that threaten our livelihoods,” he added.
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