By Olusegun Olanrewaju
As part of efforts to secure the release of the embattled leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPoB), Nnamdi Kanu, the leadership of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo has disclosed plans to embark on a peace talk with the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, and Asari Dokubo.
In a statement on Thursday by its Secretary-General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the pan-Igbo socio-political group said the meeting with some critical stakeholders is to advocate for forgiveness and cooperation towards securing Kanu’s freedom.
It, however, appreciated all the moves by prominent Igbo leaders and beyond in pushing for the release of Kanu since he was incarcerated.
The statement read in part, “While expressing appreciation for the efforts of prominent Igbo leaders to secure Kanu’s freedom, there is a noted lack of outreach to individuals who felt aggrieved by Kanu’s activities, especially those connected to President Tinubu.
In a bid to facilitate Kanu’s release, Ohanaeze Ndigbo announces plans for a peace meeting delegation involving key stakeholders such as the Oba of Lagos, Asari Dokubo (our son), and the Sultan of Sokoto to advocate for forgiveness and cooperation towards securing Kanu’s freedom.
Additionally, it pledges to ensure Kanu refrains from broadcasting divisive content against Nigeria’s unity and instead advocates for a restructured Nigeria, following his willingness to engage in negotiations with the Federal Government.”
Isiguzoro, who noted that no member of Ohanaeze is associated with any separatist group, however, called on agitators in the region to adopt a non-violent method in achieving their goals.
“It clarifies that no member of Ohanaeze Ndigbo is affiliated with separatist groups and emphasises a continuous call for Biafra agitators to renounce violence and pursue non-violent avenues for self-determination, allowing security agencies to address criminal elements exploiting the Biafra cause,” he stressed.
The group also warned against any form of manipulation of its leadership positions by individuals seeking to extend their tenure through blackmail tactics.
It said false branding of its elected representatives as Biafra agitators cannot obstruct the constitutional rights of Rivers State in producing the next leadership of the group.
