Ohanaeze Ndigbo has demanded for the release of Nnamdi Kanu.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has called for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The group made the demand on Thursday in Enugu, stating that the continued detention of Kanu symbolises the collective incarceration of the entire Igbo people.
Kanu is currently being held at Sokoto Correctional Centre following his conviction for treason.
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Speaking during the Ohanaeze Imeobi and General Assembly held at the Ohanaeze National Secretariat in Enugu, the President-General of the organisation, John Azuta-Mbata, warned the Federal Government against relying on promises of Igbo votes while Kanu remains in prison.
“I have told the government that Nnamdi Kanu that is in jail, it is the entire Igboland that is there. There’s no Igbo man that is happy that Kanu is in incarceration,” Azuta-Mbata said.
“Let our people stop deceiving the federal government. We’re calling on the government of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to release Kanu. This is the minimal demand of Ndi Igbo.”
He also welcomed the ongoing discussions on the creation of additional states in the country, describing it as a positive development for the region.
Azuta-Mbata further condemned the stereotyping of the Igbo people and urged Ndigbo living across Nigeria and in the diaspora to remain law-abiding and respect the customs and sensibilities of their host communities.
“The diaspora people, your representation matters. Let your actions reflect the values we hold dear in Igbo land,” he said.
“It is wrong for Igbo to go to other people’s homes and behave as if there are no core values that our people prioritise. What you gain from home is what you take outside.”
The Ohanaeze leader also stressed the importance of preserving the Igbo language and cultural heritage, warning that the language is gradually declining.
He referenced a report by UNESCO which listed the Igbo language among those at risk of endangerment.
According to him, Ohanaeze has taken steps to promote the language by endowing professorial chairs for Igbo language and culture in four universities and plans to introduce scholarships for students studying the language.
“We will do more. We are also working to establish online learning platforms on our website so that children of our people in the diaspora can learn the Igbo language,” he added.
Azuta-Mbata concluded by urging Igbo politicians to demonstrate courage, vision and accountability in leadership, noting that history and posterity would judge them based on their actions.
