The Vice Chairman of the leading socio-cultural organization for the Igbo people, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, discusses with MUHAMMED LAWAL the two-year prison sentence imposed on the controversial head of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, along with various topics concerning the Southeast region.
What are your thoughts on the life imprisonment imposed on Nnamdi Kanu?
The Igbo people are closely monitoring the situation involving Nnamdi Kanu. Political figures and traditional leaders within the Igbo community continue to discuss his sentencing to life in prison. It should be noted that only Orji Uzor Kalu and Governor Alex Otti among political representatives have spoken publicly about this issue, as the Igbo hold certain matters not meant for public debate through newspaper articles.
If the Yoruba people were able to set aside their political and personal disagreements, unite, travel to the Benin Republic, and secure Sunday Igboho's release without using the media or seeking public attention, then the presidency and Kanu should engage appropriately, leading to a political resolution, even though he retains the right to file an appeal.
I'm reaching out to the Igbo community and those living abroad who belong to the Igbo ethnic group — now isn't the moment for emotions; it calls for an actionable approach. The most effective method is to work with the authorities quietly. By collaborating and backing the government, they'll fulfill your expectations.
I am appealing to our fellow brothers to cease acting emotionally. Individuals making loud demands should let the Southeast leaders handle discussions with the government regarding issues affecting Ndigbo.
You mentioned that individuals from the Southeast are emotionally driven. What led you to make that statement?
Let's be honest. Our community tends to be very emotionally driven, and this hasn't always worked in our favor. We need to tackle specific issues with logic rather than emotion and examine the data. The numbers tell their own story. There is confirmed proof supporting this.
Is there any action being taken by Southeast leaders regarding Kanu's freedom?
The procedure continues as I speak. It is unwise to reveal certain tactics we plan to use in order to bring the Federal Government and other stakeholders together for an agreement and political resolution of the matter.
Suppose that by October 1st, 2026, Tinubu chooses to issue a pardon to Kanu. What would occur then? We will keep backing this government so that he (Tinubu) can address our requests. At the right moment, we are aware that he intends to advocate for Kanu's freedom.
Ohanaeze is urging all Igbo individuals to stay composed. This is a call for unity; we should maintain composure amid conflicts, particularly regarding Kanu's situation. The situation remains unresolved, although the Southeast governors, with the exception of one, have remained quiet publicly. We've been communicating with many of the ministers and community figures. Hence, my statement that people should avoid being overly emotional concerning Kanu's matters. The Southeast leadership along with others are discreetly working with the Executive Branch to explore possible solutions to this problem. Additionally, some lives were lost and several businesses suffered damage, however, such discussions tend to increase tension levels.
Some suggest that the Southeast region is being overlooked by various governments. Do you agree with this view?
Indeed, the Igbo people have faced unjust treatment within Nigeria. That statement holds truth. This perspective is shared by all Igbo individuals. Following the conclusion of the civil war nearly 55 years ago, our community has not received adequate recovery efforts. The South-East region served as the epicenter of the Nigerian-Biafran conflict.
Only in recent times have the Igbo people begun to feel a growing sense of connection under President Tinubu's leadership. Upon careful observation, it becomes clear that the Igbo did not support Tinubu during the 2023 election—a fact that cannot be ignored. Nevertheless, we remain part of the opposition; however, the president has established an open and welcoming government that includes the Igbo community. He is actively working to correct past wrongs and address the neglect faced by the Igbo population. Our group has always led efforts toward national reform, and the establishment of regional development councils by President Tinubu represents something the Igbo have long desired. Through such initiatives, each region or geo-political area can progress according to its own rhythm. It should also be recalled that this was one of the key demands raised during the 2014 constitutional summit—the stance taken by the Igbo nation.
We are marginalised, but the President is fair enough to the Igbo nation, and we appreciate him for the appointment of an Igbo man since 1951. These are the things that we are considering and we are asking for more.
Which factors led you to believe that Tinubu treats the Southeast fairly?
The federal government has made investments in the Southeast region. This should prompt our community to reconsider their stance in 2027. To be frank, there have been several misunderstandings about the All Progressives Congress federal administration since 2015. These inaccuracies need to be properly clarified.
It is accurate that the Southeast region hasn't received sufficient political appointments under Tinubu's government. We hold the fewest ministerial positions in the Federal Executive Council. However, the President is not disregarding the Igbo ethnic community. Drawing from our experiences, I can provide a concrete illustration.
From 2010 to 2015, during Goodluck Jonathan's tenure as president, the Igbo people were granted nearly all key appointments. This included roles such as the Secretary to the Federal Government and several other posts; however, this did not result in significant development within Igboland, unlike the progress seen nowadays.
In Nigeria, there is this perception that some people are uncontrollable, while some are conquered people. There is this mindset that some people in Nigeria, after the war, are seen as second-class citizens, and Igbo people can never be second-class citizens. The British, when they were here, had given more advantage to the people of the North.
What are your expectations of the government?
The top priority for the Igbo community is infrastructure development in the Southeast region. Members of the Igbo ethnicity are not individuals who rely solely on governmental support to succeed. Instead, they serve as key contributors to Nigeria's economic growth. Their consistent demand has always been for adequate resources and structures that enable them to continue fueling the nation’s economy.
Tinubu is taking actions that former President Muhammadu Buhari failed to take on behalf of the Igbo community. This suggests he is tackling 55 years worth of complaints following the war's aftermath. Should Tinubu approve another state for the Southeast, increasing the number of states in the area to six, public perception of his administration could shift significantly.
Are you saying the Igbo will support Tinubu in 2027?
The arrest of Nnamdi Kanu was not carried out by President Tinubu. Should Ohanaeze Ndigbo have taken the lead in pushing for Tinubu to receive chances or backing, one can question them about anything; they would respond accordingly. However, insulting someone and hoping for a positive outcome goes against our traditional values and customs.
Therefore, the main issue lies in the lack of alignment between the Igbos and the APC administration in 2015. Igbo political figures within the APC have struggled to effectively communicate with their community, preventing them from fully engaging in mainstream politics.
What do you think about feelings of uncertainty in the Southeast region?
In general, there is a sense of uncertainty throughout Nigeria. This serves as an alert for the leaders of the Southeast states. They have let down their constituents when it comes to safety. Although the Southeast area has its own security force, insufficient financial support led the leader of this system to step down. I am urging these officials to take action so that instability within the Southeast can be controlled. The ongoing lawlessness across Nigeria must not become a tool used against President Tinubu’s government.
We worry about the instability in Nigeria due to the presence of numerous ethnic communities spread throughout the nation's 774 local government areas. The Igbo people are considered genuine Nigerians. No matter where you travel in Nigeria, you will encounter an Igbo individual. Therefore, instability in any region poses a risk to both the cohesion of the Igbo community and the overall stability of Nigeria.
The Igbo community is seeking safety, a just setting to conduct their activities, and inclusion within the Nigerian framework. Additionally, they desire the opportunity to participate actively in driving the nation's economic growth. When such avenues do not work out, they may look for other paths. At this moment, we have faith in Nigeria. We hold onto the belief that someday, an Igbo individual will become the President of Nigeria, although not necessarily in 2027. Perhaps it could happen in 2035 or 2039.
We have lost politically, and we have been at the zonal level. We have been relegated from Deputy Senate President to Deputy Speaker. Igbo candidates are not fans anywhere politically in Nigeria.
Are you in favor of establishing a new state in the Southeast region?
In 2018, Ohanaeze Ndigbo supported the establishment of Aba State. The state we are advocating for is another region within the Southeast.
Supplied by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).
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