The Ohanaeze Ndigbo, an influential Igbo sociocultural organization, has praised President Bola Tinubu for his willingness to engage in discussions aimed at securing the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Additionally, Ohanaeze recognized the contributions of Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi, towards this goal. On Saturday in Lagos, Umahi suggested that the Federal Government was looking to start talks aimed at securing the release of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu. The pan-Igbo group recognized the President’s sincere efforts regarding Kanu’s release but insisted that it should not be contingent on gaining the Igbo community’s backing for Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign. This was expressed in a statement released on Sunday by the faction’s Deputy President-General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro. The statement emphasized, “As we deal with these complex issues, it is important to clearly convey the stark reality of Nnamdi Kanu’s imprisonment. Not all battles are won in court, nor do harsh propaganda or threats solve all problems. To be clear, the Igbo people should not be seen as lawless or uncivilized.” We embody an advanced nation characterized by knowledge, insight, and a deep awareness of the genuine issues facing us in Nigeria’s sociopolitical environment—one that has been deliberately structured to oppress the Igbo since 1970. This awareness drives each Igbo person to participate thoughtfully and strategically as we manage the intricacies of our situation. It is a challenging reality that Senator David Umahi, the Minister of Works, is actively working with various Igbo leaders to advocate for Nnamdi Kanu’s release. We praise Umahi for his important contributions to reducing the escalating tensions in the Southeast and for his efforts in promoting positive discussions with the Federal Government concerning Kanu’s predicament. We acknowledge that important negotiations and private conversations are in progress, bringing us closer to a possible resolution that could lead to Kanu being freed from custody. Given these circumstances, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has issued a serious warning to all parties involved. We urged you to avoid using harsh insults, abusive language, or slanderous tactics against the Federal Government, as these actions threaten the sensitive initiatives focused on facilitating Kanu’s release. “The Igbo Nation is fully aware that some close to Nnamdi Kanu may be inappropriately profiting from his extended imprisonment. We strongly encourage these individuals to stop their provocative actions and permit the genuine Igbo leaders to negotiate diplomatically and privately with President Tinubu for a political resolution. “It is our duty to share this candid and occasionally harsh reality with those opportunists we term “Igbo crisis merchants”—who benefit from Kanu’s imprisonment. “A ceasefire lasting 90 days is crucial. We urge all parties to allow these delicate conversations to proceed without disruption until a satisfactory agreement concerning Nnamdi Kanu’s release is reached. “Let us be unequivocal: the Igbo Nation will hold responsible anyone whose unlawful actions hinder this important process.
