S’East politicians holding Kanu’s freedom, we’ve taken responsibility, says Ohanaeze chieftain

By Olusegun Olanrewaju

A chieftain of the apex pan-Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, yesterday blamed the political elite, especially the South-East governors, senators, traditional authorities, and the clergy, for the non-release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPoB), Nnamdi Kanu.

Isiguzoro raised concerns about the actions of the South-East governors, stressing that they displayed a lack of understanding by placing unwarranted reliance on President Bola Tinubu for Kanu’s release, without taking the necessary steps to address the underlying issues.

The factional Secretary-General of Ohanaeze, said after careful consideration and evaluation of recent events, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has assumed full responsibility for Kanu’s non-release.

In a statement he signed, Isiguzoro said the Igbo had witnessed numerous claims from governors regarding their visits to President Tinubu and the expected release of Kanu, only to be disappointed with the Supreme Court judgment.

According to Isiguzoro, “After careful consideration and evaluation of recent events, Ohanaeze Ndigbo assumes full responsibility for the non-release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPoB).

“However, Ohanaeze Ndigbo believes that the blame should be shared amongst various stakeholders, including the political elite, especially the South-East governors and senators, traditional authorities, and the clergy.

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

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo emphasises that the only viable solution for the release of Nnamdi Kanu lies in engaging in confidential dialogues with all non-state actors and Biafran agitators.

“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.”