South-East leaders have turned their backs on Nnamdi Kanu – Ohanaeze

The apex Igbo sociocultural body, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has criticized political, traditional, and religious leaders from the South-East, accusing them of neglecting the plight of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

In a statement signed by the group’s Deputy President-General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and National Spokesman, Chinenyeze Ohia, Ohanaeze alleged that South-East leaders have failed to show strong support for Kanu, unlike their counterparts in other regions who boldly defend the interests of their people.

The organisation lamented that instead of taking decisive action, Igbo leaders have chosen “silence and token gestures,” leaving Kanu and his followers isolated.

In a statement on Wednesday, Ohanaeze said governors in the north have engaged in dialogue with individuals linked to violent acts, while south-west leaders mobilised in unity to secure the release of Yoruba activist Sunday Igboho.

The group said Kanu, who has been in detention since 2021, has not enjoyed the same level of commitment from leaders of the south-east.

Parts of the statement read: “The stark reality is that the primary beneficiaries of Nnamdi Kanu’s continued incarceration are the Igbo political elites who have engaged in a despicable game of evasion.

“These leaders, while professing concern and solidarity, have opted instead to cultivate a muddied culture of deceit that aims to placate public sentiment without championing any genuine resolution.

“They exploit the situation surrounding Nnamdi Kanu as a façade to win favour and bolster their popularity among the populace, offering nothing of substance in return.”

Ohanaeze questioned why leaders prefer visiting Kanu in detention or posing for photographs in courtrooms rather than lobbying President Bola Tinubu directly for his release.

The group also faulted traditional rulers and clerics for preferring “a public media trial over a discreet pursuit of justice through legitimate legal channels”.

“It is essential to convey the uncomfortable truth: the only impediment to Nnamdi Kanu’s freedom is the absence of sincere assurances from Igbo leaders to President Tinubu that Nnamdi Kanu would conduct himself with integrity post-release.

“Tragically, no governor, senator, or influential leader among us is prepared to take the necessary risks that would facilitate his release,” the group stated.

Ohanaeze said it believes Tinubu will facilitate Kanu’s release before the end of 2025, but urged south-east leaders to align their actions with the aspirations of the people.