Ohanaeze Ndigbo extends warm New Year greetings to our beloved Ndigbo as we step into the year 2024.
In this pivotal year, Ohanaeze urges Ndigbo, regardless of their location, to remain steadfast as good citizens of Nigeria and any country where they reside. We strongly emphasize that no one should trample on the rights of Ndigbo. Every Igbo person, like every Nigerian, deserves equal rights and should not face victimization based on their place of residence.
Furthermore, it is time to put an end to the prolonged incarceration of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the revered Leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB). President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed his commitment to addressing the insecurity in the South East, and the first step towards achieving true peace is the immediate release of Kanu. Ohanaeze implores the President to honor his words. The well-being of Nigeria is intricately tied to the well-being of the South East and Ndigbo, and any international conspiracies surrounding Kanu’s imprisonment should not deter the President from taking the necessary action, we call on NDIGBO TO STOP BEGGING FOR THE RELEASE OF NNAMDI KANU.
Equally important, it is imperative for the South East Governors to engage with non-state actors and Biafran agitators within the region, in order to establish meaningful dialogue and work towards lasting peace. We believe that sustainable peace can only be achieved when all stakeholders are involved, and their concerns and grievances are heard and addressed. Empty peace summits and talk shows will yield no results without the active participation and trust of the agitators. It is the responsibility of the Southeast Governors to initiate sincere efforts in securing a peaceful Southeast, reaching out to agitators through trusted channels, EXCEPT THE GOVERNORS DO THE NEEDFUL, PEACE WILL CONTINUE TO ELUDE US IN THE SOUTHEAST.
Simultaneously, Ohanaeze appeals to Biafran agitators to embrace any genuine plan for peace in the region, as it will pave the way for the release of our esteemed brother, Nnamdi Kanu. We cannot allow our communities to collapse while we are preoccupied with internal conflicts. It is our duty to protect and strengthen the South East, as it is our only homeland.
As we embark on the new year, Ohanaeze Ndigbo calls for unity, understanding, and the pursuit of justice for all Ndigbo. Together, we can build a brighter future for ourselves, our children, and future generations.
Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro
Secretary General
Ohanaeze Ndigbo
