Ohanaeze commends S’East for shunning protest, seeks Kanu’s release

Apex pan-Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, yesterday thanked all Igbos at home and in the diaspora for their unwavering commitment to the decision to boycott the nationwide protests.

Taking an inventory of its political stewardship, it further affirmed its support for the President Bola Tinubu administration.

In a statement on Thursday by its Secretary-General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Ohanaeze said, “We, the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, wish to express our profound gratitude to all Igbos at home and in the diaspora for their unwavering commitment to the decision to boycott the nationwide protests.
“The Southeast region has shown remarkable unity and resilience in standing against external pressures and manipulations aimed at using the Igbo as sacrificial lambs for selfish political agenda.
“The Southeast’s total compliance with the directive to abstain from the protests is a testament to the newfound sense of unity and determination among Ndigbo to put an end to the systematic manipulation and exploitation by certain unpatriotic elements and privileged elite.”
“This marks a new chapter in Igbo perseverance, nerve, and resolve to assert our rights and protect our interests. We want to particularly acknowledge the remarkable infrastructural strides being made in the Southeast under the leadership of Senator Dave Umahi, the Minister of Works.
“The transformation of the Federal Expressway in the region is a clear demonstration of the commitment to development and progress. We also call for the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu and the creation of an additional state for the Southeast to address the longstanding marginalisation and neglect of the region.
“President Bola Tinubu has now realised that the Southeast and Ndigbo are not his enemies, and we urge him to reciprocate this gesture by releasing Nnamdi Kanu and initiating more viable projects for the Southeast.
“The Southeast remains open to dialogue and cooperation with the Federal Government for the overall development and prosperity of the nation.”
In conclusion, we urge all Ndigbo to remain steadfast and resolute in the face of any pressures or attempts to undermine our unity and progress.
“Let us continue to stand together in solidarity and work towards a brighter future for our people and our nation,” he added.