ONITSHA – Ohanaeze Ndigbo in a statement from Onitsha, Anambra State, accused governors, lawmakers, traditional rulers and religious leaders from the south-east of neglecting Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Signed by its Deputy President-General Okechukwu Isiguzoro and National Spokesman Chinenyeze Ohia, the statement lamented that while political actors in other regions actively defend their activists, Igbo elites have adopted “silence and token gestures.” Ohanaeze questioned why south-eastern leaders prefer ceremonial courtroom visits and media positioning over pressing President Bola Tinubu directly for Kanu’s release, citing lack of “sincere assurances” and political courage.
Kanu has been in custody since his 2021 extradition to Nigeria and is now facing terrorism charges. Ohanaeze previously characterized his continued incarceration as tantamount to incarcerating the Igbo people itself, calling repeatedly on federal authorities for his release and medical care.
Separately, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) expressed disappointment in south-eastern leaders’ lukewarm support, urging them to intensify efforts toward Kanu’s liberation and uphold Igbo interests.
SOURCES: Politics Nigeria, Punch, Vanguard, IPOB statement, Guardian
