Bianca Ojukwu, former Miss Africa and spouse of the respected late Igbo leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has underscored her plea for the release of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
While speaking at the American Veterans of Igbo Descent’s (AVID) Annual Conference and Convention in Dallas, Texas, Ojukwu urged the governors of the southeast region to unite and advocate for Kanu’s release. AVID is a gathering of U.S. citizens of Igbo origin, consisting of active and retired military personnel from various branches of the U.S. armed forces.
Mrs Ojukwu, invited as a distinguished guest, expressed her dismay over the initial indifference of Igbo leaders towards Kanu’s illegal extradition and continual unlawful detention, stating that it has significantly escalated the current tensions in the South East region.
She noted, “This indifference has resulted in unexpected consequences, with criminal elements unrelated to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) exploiting the situation.
“These criminal elements are now posing as freedom fighters and committing terrible crimes in South Eastern Nigeria.”
She emphasized that only when Igbo leaders rise up, break their apparent conspiracy of silence, and face the truth, can there be any hope of recovery from the current unfortunate state of Igboland.
She further stated, “The daunting task of tackling this giant problem can only begin when we admit that the leaders’ failure to effectively spotlight and address the ongoing marginalization of Ndigbo resulted in a leadership void that led to Nnamdi Kanu’s rise, and then move on to make the necessary changes.”
SOURCE: Nigeria World
IMAGE: Igbere TV
