The Concerned Igbo Ministers Commission, a group of Igbo clerics, has accused South East Governors of abandoning the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, despite their repeated promises to pursue his release.
In a statement issued by Rev. Tony Uzo Anthony, International Coordinator, and Apostle Tony Osuji, Secretary, the group expressed disappointment over the Governors’ failure to aggressively pursue Kanu’s release, asking: “How come nobody is clamouring for the release of our brother the IPOB leader? We openly accuse South East Governors of playing chicken. What are they really afraid of?”
The statement read: “When Sunday Igboho was detained in the Benin Republic, all Yoruba monarchs, politicians, and bishops rallied around Mr. Sunday Igboho until his release was secured. No individual interest of the governors in the South East should exceed the interest of Ndigbo at large.”
The group questioned the Governors’ sudden silence, saying: “It appears evidently that the Southeast governors, who recently assured us of their efforts to secure the release of Mazi Nnamdi Okwu Kanu, have suddenly gone quiet.”
They urged the Governors to prioritize Igbo interests, stating: “Our governors should also note that the protection of Mazi Nnamdi Okwu Kanu is part of the Oath of Office that they took. We, therefore, appeal to our Governors to please stand for their own like the governors of the South West stood for Sunday Igboho.”
The group emphasized: “Mazi Nnamdi Okwu Kanu is a man God has given us for the general good of our people, born and unborn. Let’s come together as a people and pursue our common goal, more so the release of Mazi Nnamdi Okwu Kanu. Mazi Nnamdi Okwu Kanu does not hate any of you, but is focused on the general good of our people.”
They concluded: “Please prove this noble body wrong by making sure that Ndi Igbo are fully represented to meet with Mr. President in respect of his release. We call upon all the traditional rulers, Bishops, and politicians, to rise up at this very special occasion for the release of our brother.”
