A chieftain of apex Igbo sociocultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, has urged South-East leaders to engage the President-elect of the United States, Donald Trump, on the release of leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
In his statement on Sunday, Isiguzoro proposed engaging influential traditional leaders, such as the Oba of Lagos and the Sultan of Sokoto, to help mediate Kanu’s release.
He also appealed for a temporary ceasefire from agitators across the Southeast to promote a peaceful environment, while criticizing Southeast governors for what he described as inaction and disregard toward Kanu’s cause.
Isiguzoro also questioned the commitment of some Igbo traditional leaders and clergy, suggesting their previous appearances in court may have been merely symbolic rather than a genuine show of solidarity.
The statement partly read: “In the face of this challenging landscape, we must adopt a multifaceted strategy to advocate for Kanu’s immediate release:
“Mobilizing International Influence: We must urgently seek to engage former President Donald Trump, appealing for him to apply pressure on both Britain’s Prime Minister and President Tinubu, as Kanu was once a vocal supporter of Trump.
“This relationship can serve as a powerful diplomatic tool in our quest for justice.
“Engaging Traditional Leadership: We propose immediate outreach to the Oba of Lagos and the Sultan of Sokoto. Their influential positions allow them to act as mediators who can help facilitate constructive dialogues necessary for resolving this matter.
“Ceasefire Among Agitators: We call for a tactical ceasefire from agitation groups to create a peaceful atmosphere conducive to negotiations. An environment of calm will enhance the potential for meaningful discussions surrounding Nnamdi Kanu’s release.
“Let it be unequivocally stated: the Southeast Governors’ continued inaction reflects an unforgivable disregard for Nnamdi Kanu and his supporters.
“Moreover, the reluctance of some Igbo traditional rulers and clerics to stand by Kanu during pivotal moments raises serious questions about the integrity of their commitment to our cause. Was their presence in previous court sessions merely performative, a shallow gesture devoid of true allegiance?”