Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the Igbo apex group, on Sunday, asked the Southeast stakeholders, especially the governors, why they are playing politics with the release of the Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, insisting that the release of

Kanu will not threaten the fragile unity of Nigeria as being alleged.

In a statement in Abakaliki, the Deputy National President of Ohanaeze faction, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, noted that since the Southeast stakeholders, especially the governors, are reluctant toward Kanu’s release, Ohanaeze Ndigbo is resolutely committed to offering itself as a possible surety to President Tinubu in any arrangements made concerning Kanu’s release.

He wondered why the Southeast Governors’ failure to honour commitments made during their public meeting on July 2, 2024, in Enugu, where they agreed to meet with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to finalise the release of Kanu, asking why, up until now, nothing has been done.

He noted that Ohanaeze Ndigbo extends their sincerest assurances to the family of Nnamdi Kanu, acknowledging their deep frustrations regarding the inability of Southeast Governors’ failure to effect the release of Kanu, assuring the family of the support of Ohanaeze toward the release of the IPOB leader.

The statement read, “It has come to our attention that, despite these commitments, there are alarming allegations from Kanu’s family indicating a disturbing refusal among the Southeast Governors to respond to invitations from the President to discuss Kanu’s situation.

“Should these allegations hold water, Ohanaeze Ndigbo will not hesitate to launch a thorough forensic investigation that seeks to uncover the reasons behind this troubling refusal.

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“From our analysis, it appears that the Southeast Governors exhibit a palpable nervousness that has translated into a cold-footed approach towards meaningful engagement with the Federal Government, and the fear gripping them seems rooted in their apprehensions about providing assurances to President Tinubu, specifically that the aftermath of Kanu’s release will not threaten the fragile unity of Nigeria.”

Ohanaeze Ndigbo vigorously condemns the Southeast Governors’ evident lack of political will and leadership resolve. Their hesitance to prioritise communal interests over personal political ambitions is intolerable. Decisive action must be taken to secure Nnamdi Kanu’s release, disavowing any imaginary fears that may endanger their hope for re-election.

“In the absence of affirmative leadership from the Southeast Governors, Ohanaeze Ndigbo is prepared to employ a grassroots and indigenous approach to facilitate Kanu’s release, and there is no escaping the fact that these governors appear to be stubbornly evading their responsibility to act decisively.

“Moreover, it is imperative to state clearly that Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s strategic support for President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election hinges entirely upon the promise of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s release from detention, and we firmly believe that the insecurity challenges plaguing the Southeast can be mitigated significantly following Kanu’s liberation.”

Ohanaeze Ndigbo is resolutely committed to offering itself as a possible surety, providing guarantees to President Tinubu that any arrangements made concerning Kanu’s release will align with the agreements reached to reinforce confidence and furnish the necessary assurances sought by the presidency.