Southeast governors sabotaging Kanu’s release -Ohaneze

Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, has accused state governors in Nigeria’s Southeast region of being responsible for the prolonged detention of Nnamdi Kanu, the embattled leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Ohaneze Ndigbo says it is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that is stalling Kanu’s release.

According to Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the motives of these leaders are rooted in a self-serving desire to secure lucrative positions in the upcoming 2027 Vice Presidential elections.

“The motives of these individuals are marked by a troubling fixation on securing positions for the upcoming 2027 Vice Presidential elections,” the group stated.

“This unwholesome obsession has led them to engage in covert actions that convey a starkly different message to President Tinubu: ‘Do not release Nnamdi Kanu immediately.'”

The message also expressed deep concern about the escalating violence and insecurity in Southeast Nigeria, which Ohanaeze Ndigbo believes has been exacerbated by the actions of these leaders. “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,” the group noted, its tone heavy with condemnation.

In a stinging rebuke, Ohanaeze Ndigbo urged the Igbo people to remain vigilant and demand accountability from their leaders.

The group commended individuals working to address insecurity through innovative measures and acknowledged the resilience of the Igbo people in maintaining a peaceful posture despite leadership failures.

It reaffirmed its commitment to securing Kanu’s release and called for collective effort, strategic vigilance, and unwavering commitment to the truth to advance the Igbo community.

“We will rise together, demand accountability from our leaders, and pursue the just cause that resonates within our hearts,” the group declared, its words echoing with determination and resolve.

Southeast governors

The following are governors holding sway in the respective southeast states. Alex Otti (Abia State), Charles Soludo (Anambra State), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi State), and Hope Uzodinma (Imo State).

Background of Federal Government of Nigeria vs. Nnamdi Kanu

Nnamdi Kanu has been in detention due to his advocacy for the secession and independence of Biafra from Nigeria.

He was first arrested in Lagos in October 2015 and detained for over a year and a half, despite court orders demanding his release.

Kanu was released on bail in April 2017 on health grounds, but he skipped bail and went abroad, where he continued to champion the IPOB movement.

He was rearrested in June 2021 and brought to Nigeria to face trial on treason charges.

The charges against Kanu include terrorism, treason, involvement with a banned separatist movement, inciting public violence through radio broadcasts, and defamation of Nigerian authorities through broadcasts.

Despite an appeal court ruling in October 2022 that freed Kanu of all terrorism charges and ordered his release, the government has refused to release him, stating that it would review its legal options and could institute other charges against him.

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