Ohanaeze blames Southeast Governors for Kanu's continued detention

Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide, has blamed governors of the Southeastern part of the country and other politicians for the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu.                                   

President - General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, who made the allegation in an electronic statement sent to Fresh Angle International this morning, Wednesday December 25, said one governor recently stated that the release of Kanu, would not resolve the insecurity challenges in the Southeast.                                         

He asserted:" As we gather to celebrate this Christmas season, the Apex Igbo Socio-Cultural Organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, extends warm wishes to all Ndigbo both at home and in the diaspora. This is a time characterized by joy and reflection, but also a moment to address critical issues confronting our people, particularly the pressing matter of Nnamdi Kanu’s prolonged detention and the consequential leadership failures within our region.

"As we embark on this dialogue, it is imperative to direct our attention to the grim reality that the stalling of Nnamdi Kanu's release is fundamentally rooted in the misguided ambitions of certain Southeast Governors and politicians, rather than any perceived inaction on the part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The motives of these individuals are marked by a troubling fixation on securing positions for the upcoming 2027 Vice Presidential elections. Under the guise of publicly advocating for Kanu’s release, they engage in covert actions that convey a starkly different message to President Tinubu: 'Do not release Nnamdi Kanu immediately.

"This duplicity has not only undermined what could have been a paradigm shift in governmental relations but has also exacerbated the escalating violence and insecurity within Southeast Nigeria. Disturbingly, these conditions have served as a financial boon for these leaders, who benefit from increased security votes allocated to their gubernatorial offices amid the chaos.

"We call upon our people, the Ndigbo, to remain vigilant against attempts to undermine the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo. There are alarming indications that an indigenous individual from Imo State is being projected as a Rivers State indigenes to manipulate the tenure system, which aims to plant political operatives within Ohanaeze Ndigbo in a bid to influence the forthcoming January 2025 election for the position of President General. This calculated move, we fear, is part of a broader scheme to solidify power in anticipation of the 2027 elections.

"Ohanaeze Ndigbo unambiguously asserts that the naiveté demonstrated by two Southeast Governors regarding their overtures for Kanu’s release needs to be examined critically. Moreover, one Governor’s neutral stance suggests a troubling prioritization of individual political aspirations over collective safety and progress. Remarkably, during the Southeast Governors’ Meeting held in Enugu on July 2, 2024—graced by the presence of respected elder statesman, Former President Olusegun Obasanjo—commitments were made by these leaders to pursue dialogue with President Tinubu. Yet, subsequent actions have revealed an unfortunate sabotage of this pact, and a troubling indifference among other Governors in addressing the rising tide of insecurity across our 95 Local Government Areas.

"The failure to effectively engage with President Tinubu regarding Kanu’s release was not merely a miscalculation; it was an orchestrated and deliberate neglect. Consequently, responsibility must be directed towards the Southeast Governors whose inaction speaks volumes about their lack of dedication to the welfare of our people. We urge the Ndigbo to refrain from directing their frustrations towards President Tinubu for Kanu’s release; rather, they should demand accountability from these leaders about why they failed to secure a meeting with the President after five months of inaction.

"These leaders’ public declarations have proven contradictory and concerning. One Governor recently stated that the release of Nnamdi Kanu would not resolve the insecurity challenges in the Southeast. However, he then offered a solution that involves retaining Kanu in the State Government House—a perplexing assertion that highlights a lack of sincerity and coherence in addressing our security dilemmas.

"Amid these challenges, Ohanaeze Ndigbo commends the individual efforts of those striving to address insecurity through innovative measures, such as initiating amnesty for repentant criminals in their states. We also commend the resilience of the Ndigbo people, who, despite widespread leadership failures, choose to maintain a harmonious and peaceful posture while extending tacit support to President Tinubu in navigating these crises.

" Ohanaeze Ndigbo is steadfast in its commitment to secure the release of Nnamdi Kanu. We anticipate that currents of support and solid commitments will align in our favor by 2025, and we ask for patience and resilience from our people as we navigate the complexities ahead.

 "Let us remember that collective effort, strategic vigilance, and unwavering commitment to the truth are paramount for the advancement of our people. We will rise together, demand accountability from our leaders, and pursue the just cause that resonates within our hearts."

×