Ndigbo will not abandon Nnamdi Kanu, Ohanaeze declares

Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, yesterday, declared that it would not abandon leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu during his travail.

It disclosed that it had already constituted a legal team led by its National Legal Adviser and other Igbo leaders to monitor the legal proceedings, throughout his trial.

In a communiqué issued at the end of its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Enugu, signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Chiedozie Alex Ogbonnia, the group maintained that it was not averse to the trial of Kanu.

The Federal Government had re-arraigned Kanu recently on 11 count charges of treasonable felony, terrorism and illegal possession of firearms.

But Ohanaeze Ndigbo insisted that his trial must be done in accordance with the rule of law, saying: “Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has observed with keen interest the recent re-arraignment and consequent trial of Nnamdi Kanu.

“That in as much as Ohanaeze Ndigbo is not averse to Kanu’s trial, we, however, submit that he should be tried within the ambit of the laws of Nigeria and in line with global best practices.”

It also strongly supported the stand taken by the Southern Governors’ Forum on anti-open grazing, restructuring, rotation of the Presidency to the South in 2023 and the proposed three per cent share in the Petroleum Industries Bill (PIB), for host communities of the Niger Delta region.

Ohanaeze also identified with the Igbo youths in their grievances with respect to Igbo marginalisation, the menace of Fulani herdsmen, adding, however, that: “We do not support the use of violence to redress the deprivation, inequality and injustice in the country.”

It urged the youths to remain law abiding and sheath their swords, while the South East leaders and stakeholders should address the collective grievances through meaningful dialogue and negotiations.

At the meeting, the group urged Ndigbo, especially the youths to take the ongoing voter registration exercise seriously, saying it was the only means to guarantee effective participation in Nigerian politics and a necessary step towards achieving their goals and aspirations in the Nigeria project.