….demands engagement with Tinubu
Ohanaeze Ndigbo has accused South-East governors, lawmakers, traditional rulers, and clerics of abandoning detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, by failing to mount decisive pressure on President Bola Tinubu for his release.
In a strongly worded statement signed by its Deputy President General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and National Spokesman, Chinenyeze Ohia, the apex Igbo socio-cultural group alleged that political and cultural elites in the region have chosen “silence, token gestures, and deceit” instead of genuine efforts.
“The stark reality is that the primary beneficiaries of Nnamdi Kanu’s continued incarceration are the Igbo political elites,” the statement read. “They exploit his detention as a façade to win public sympathy while offering nothing of substance in return.”
Ohanaeze criticised leaders for limiting their efforts to prison visits and courtroom photo opportunities, instead of lobbying the Presidency directly. It further accused traditional rulers and religious figures of favouring “media trials” over discreet legal and political engagement.
The group stressed that the only obstacle to Kanu’s freedom is the absence of firm assurances from Igbo leaders to Tinubu that the IPOB leader would abide by conditions of his release. “Tragically, no governor, senator, or influential leader among us is prepared to take the necessary risks,” it added.
While expressing confidence in Tinubu’s willingness to secure Kanu’s freedom before the end of 2025, Ohanaeze urged South-East leaders to align their actions with the aspirations of their people.
