As Christians across the globe celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the apex Igbo cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has expressed deep sadness over the continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
In a statement issued by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Secretary General of the Chidi Ibeh-led faction of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the group extended warm Christmas wishes to all Ndigbo, both at home and in the diaspora.
However, Isiguzoro lamented the prolonged detention of Kanu, calling it a source of great concern.
He criticized the ongoing detention, stating that key political figures, including two serving governors and a former governor from the region, were responsible for Kanu’s continued confinement.
According to Isiguzoro, these leaders are more focused on their personal political ambitions for the 2027 vice presidential race than on securing Kanu’s release.
Isiguzoro accused these leaders of publicly proclaiming support for Kanu’s release, while privately pressuring President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to release him.
He described their actions as hypocritical and labeled them as enemies of the Igbo people.
The statement further highlighted that the political maneuvering and lack of action on Kanu’s case are contributing to the instability and violence in the Southeast.
Isiguzoro emphasized that the escalating insecurity in the region is partly due to the failure of these leaders to fulfill their responsibilities while benefiting from security votes.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo is firmly against the indifference displayed by some of these politicians regarding Nnamdi Kanu’s release,” Isiguzoro stated.
“One governor’s neutral stance only serves to underline their selfish focus on personal political gain, rather than addressing the pressing issues affecting our people.”
