The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide has strongly criticized Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State for his recent remarks suggesting that the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), would not resolve the security challenges plaguing the South-East region.
In a fiery statement issued by its National President, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, the youth wing of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization condemned Soludo’s comments as misleading, unpatriotic, and out of touch with the sentiments of the Igbo people. According to the group, the governor’s position does not reflect the collective aspirations of Ndigbo, who see Kanu’s release as central to achieving peace and stability in the region.
Governor Soludo’s assertions are unfortunate and a betrayal of the Igbo cause,” Nnabuike stated. “It is disheartening to see a leader of Igbo extraction fail to align with the yearnings of his people. The release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is not only a pathway to restoring peace in the South-East but also a moral obligation for the Nigerian government.”
The Ohanaeze Youth Council also used the opportunity to urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remain committed to his alleged campaign promise of securing Kanu’s release. The group claimed that during the election campaign, Seyi Tinubu, the President’s son, had purportedly assured Kanu’s family of his father’s intention to free the IPOB leader if elected into office.
“We call on President Tinubu to demonstrate his commitment to justice and equity by honouring this pact,” the statement added. “The release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is not just a political issue but a matter of justice and fairness.”
The group further stressed that the continued detention of Kanu, despite court rulings in his favor, remains a source of frustration and anger among the Igbo population. They warned that failure to address the matter could exacerbate tensions in the already volatile South-East region.
Contrary to Governor Soludo’s remarks, the Ohanaeze Youth Council maintains that Kanu’s release would act as a catalyst for dialogue and reconciliation, paving the way for sustainable peace in the South-East.
“Kanu is a symbol of the Igbo struggle, and his continued incarceration is perceived as a deliberate marginalization of our people,” Nnabuike asserted. “President Tinubu has a golden opportunity to write his name in the sands of time by resolving this lingering issue.”
The council also reiterated its commitment to peaceful advocacy for the rights of Ndigbo and urged other leaders in the South-East to prioritize the collective interests of the region over personal or political ambitions.
This development comes amidst heightened insecurity in the South-East, with many stakeholders linking the unrest to the marginalization and alienation of the region in national affairs. The Ohanaeze Youth Council’s bold stance underscores the urgency of addressing these grievances through inclusive dialogue and decisive action.
As the nation watches, the ball now lies in President Tinubu’s court to either honor his purported commitment or risk further alienating a critical segment of the Nigerian populace. Will this administration rise to the occasion and bridge the trust deficit, or will it allow these tensions to fester? Only time will tell.
PIONEER NEWS 