A faction of Ohanaeze Ndigbo has assumed full responsibility for the non-release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu. The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation said it believes that the blame should be shared amongst various stakeholders, including political elites, especially the South-East governors and senators, traditional authorities and the clergy.

Secretary General of the faction, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, raised concerns about the actions of South-East governors, who displayed a lack of understanding by placing unwarranted reliance on President Bola Tinubu for the release of Kanu, without taking the necessary steps to address the underlying issues.

Isiguzoro notes that Ndigbo had witnessed numerous claims from governors regarding their visits to Tinubu and the expected release of Kanu, only to be disappointed with the outcome.

Similarly, the Igbo group stressed that efforts by South-East senators to intervene in Kanu’s release in the Senate were unsuccessful due to perceived lack of commitment from the governors.

Ohanaeze emphasised that the only viable solution for the release of the IPOB leader lies in engaging in confidential dialogues with all non-state actors and Biafran agitators.

It said that the Federal Government expects Ndigbo to engage in constructive dialogue, finding common ground and establishing a unified agenda before approaching the government with certified conditions for Kanu’s release.

Ohanaeze added that Ndigbo also witnessed the unity of purpose among Oduduwa and Yoruba leadership in securing the release of Yoruba activist, Sunday Igboho. It said it is concerning to Ohanaeze that certain Igbo elders continue seeking audiences with Tinubu despite publicly denouncing his inauguration and secretly supporting his removal at the Supreme Court.

Isiguzoro said: “In light of these circumstances, Ohanaeze calls on South-East governors to convene a meeting with Biafra agitators, traditional rulers, the College of Igbo bishops and Ohanaeze.

“This inclusive gathering is essential for resolving the issues at hand. Without such a meeting, genuine pathways to peace in the South-East may continue to elude us.

“The South-East political elites must establish new rallying points in the absence of esteemed leaders like Alex Ekweme, Dim Odumegwu Ojukwu, or Pa Mbazulike Amaechi. Respected figures like Ochiagha Ebitu Ukiwe and Archbishop Obinna should assume leadership roles, as they are the individuals who can command the respect of Biafra agitators and others.”