The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has confirmed ongoing earnest and discreet diplomatic talks involving Engr. David Umahi, select Igbo elders, and President Bola Tinubu aimed at securing the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
Ohanaeze stated that these dialogues primarily seek to convince President Tinubu to acknowledge and act on the pressing need for the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu.
The group emphasized that this effort is not just a personal commitment but a matter of national importance and reconciliation. The pan-Igbo organization stressed that Ndigbo is “compelled in the spirit of clarity and transparency, to convey this unembellished message.”
Ohanaeze’s remarks were in response to media reports attributed to IPOB dismissing the claims made by the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, about ongoing negotiations for Kanu’s release.
IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, described Umahi’s comments as “reckless and contemptuous,” calling them “laughable propaganda” intended to mislead the public and undermine the determination of those fighting for Biafra’s independence.
In a statement released on Wednesday by factional Deputy President-General Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro and National Spokesperson Thompson Ohia, Ohanaeze revealed that the talks have opened important channels and created viable pathways that may lead to the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu, subject to the Federal High Court’s final judgment in Abuja.
Part of the statement reads: “Let it be known that this initiative, spearheaded by the Minister of Works, Senator Umahi—an unwavering ally of President Tinubu—alongside a select cadre of Igbo elders, possesses both the authority and the blessing of the Igbo leadership and Ohanaeze Ndigbo to pursue this crucial trajectory. At this preliminary stage, it is pertinent to recognize that not all individuals, including Kanu’s associates, are directly involved.
“However, it is our commitment to subsequently involve Kanu’s representatives to ensure transparency and foster cooperation among all parties.
“In light of these developments, Ohanaeze Ndigbo earnestly urges all pro-Biafra agitators to momentarily lay aside their swords and embrace this initiative with the decorum befitting Nnamdi Kanu’s stature. We unequivocally reaffirm that no conditions will be imposed on Nnamdi Kanu regarding his release.
“President Tinubu will not be permitted to engage in political trading surrounding Kanu’s release in exchange for political support from the Southeast. Ohanaeze Ndigbo categorically rejects any notions of political barter concerning Kanu’s release; groups perpetuating such narratives are mistaken and should retract them forthwith, for they bear no merit and will not prevail.
“Furthermore, we wish to articulate this bitter truth to those maligning Senator Umahi or the Federal Government: such actions stem from either a fundamental misunderstanding of Umahi’s advocacy for Kanu’s release or from regrettable self-interest in Kanu’s continued incarceration. President Tinubu is poised to undertake decisive action regarding Kanu’s release after a thorough assessment of the current legal proceedings.
“Therefore, we implore all pro-Biafra groups to cease further unwarranted attacks on Senator Umahi and the federal authorities; such actions only serve to obfuscate and impede our shared objective—namely, the release of Nnamdi Kanu.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo to relay this vital message to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu: do what is just and right for the sake of posterity. The opportunity exists to embed your legacy in the hearts of Nigerians, particularly the Igbo people, through the release of Nnamdi Kanu. Let this decision send shockwaves across the nation, uniting us in our humanity and our collective pursuit of peace.”
