Ohanaeze Ndigbo Weighs In on Nnamdi Kanu’s Sentence and South-East’s Future
Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the Deputy President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex sociocultural organization for the Igbo people, recently shared his perspectives on the life sentence handed down to Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), and other pressing issues facing the South-East region of Nigeria. In an interview, Isiguzoro detailed the organization’s approach to Kanu’s legal predicament, the perceived marginalization of the Igbo people, and the path forward for regional development and national integration.
A Measured Response to Nnamdi Kanu’s Sentence
The sentencing of Nnamdi Kanu has sparked considerable discussion within the Igbo nation. Isiguzoro emphasized that the leadership, encompassing both political and cultural figures, is engaged in ongoing deliberations regarding the life imprisonment. He noted the deliberate reticence of many prominent Igbo political actors, with the exception of figures like Orji Uzor Kalu and Governor Alex Otti, to publicly comment. This silence, he explained, stems from a belief that certain sensitive matters are best addressed through discreet engagement rather than public pronouncements.
Isiguzoro drew a parallel to the Yoruba nation’s successful efforts in securing the release of Sunday Igboho, highlighting how they navigated the situation without resorting to extensive media attention. He advocated for a similar approach in Kanu’s case, suggesting direct engagement with the Presidency and relevant parties to pursue a political solution, while acknowledging Kanu’s right to appeal.
“The Igbo nation is being careful about Nnamdi Kanu’s issue,” Isiguzoro stated. “Political leaders and the cultural leaders of the Igbo nation are having an ongoing conversation on his life imprisonment.” He appealed to the Igbo community, both at home and in the diaspora, to temper emotional reactions with a focus on practical solutions. “This is not a time to be emotional; it’s something that requires a practical solution,” he urged. “The best way is to engage the government without making noise. When you engage and support the government, they will do what you want.”
Addressing Emotional Responses and Strategic Engagement
When questioned about his assertion that the people of the South-East are overly emotional, Isiguzoro acknowledged this trait, stating, “My people are highly emotional, and it has not been good for us.” He stressed the importance of addressing critical issues with a factual and dispassionate approach.
Regarding moves for Kanu’s release, Isiguzoro confirmed that the process is actively underway. He refrained from disclosing specific strategies to avoid jeopardizing negotiations aimed at achieving an agreement and a political resolution with the Federal Government. He expressed optimism that President Tinubu, by October 1st, 2026, might consider a pardon, and pledged continued support for the administration to facilitate the realization of Igbo demands, including Kanu’s release.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s plea for calm in the face of perceived hostilities surrounding Kanu’s case is paramount. While acknowledging the silence of most South-East governors in the media, Isiguzoro revealed that discussions are ongoing with ministers and other national leaders. “The South-East leaders and everybody are quietly engaging the Presidency to weigh options on how best to resolve the issue,” he explained, noting that public discourse on the matter can often escalate tensions.
Perceived Marginalization and the Tinubu Administration
The issue of marginalization of the South-East by successive administrations is a deeply held belief among the Igbo. Isiguzoro unequivocally concurred, stating, “Yes, Igbos have been unfairly treated in Nigeria. It’s quite true. This is the belief of every Igbo person.” He pointed to the lingering effects of the Nigerian Civil War, 55 years after its conclusion, and the lack of adequate rehabilitation for the region that bore the brunt of the conflict.
However, Isiguzoro noted a shift under the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He admitted that the Igbo did not overwhelmingly vote for Tinubu in the 2023 elections, a “bitter truth.” Despite this, he commended the President for running an inclusive government that accommodates Igbo interests and is actively addressing historical injustices and marginalization. The creation of regional developmental bodies, a long-standing demand of the Igbo, particularly during the 2014 constitutional conference, was highlighted as a positive step towards decentralized development.
“We are marginalized, but the President is fair enough to the Igbo nation, and we appreciate him for the appointment of an Igbo man since 1951,” Isiguzoro remarked, indicating a recognition of positive gestures.
Evidence of Fairness and Future Aspirations
Isiguzoro elaborated on what constitutes fairness from the Tinubu administration, citing federal investment in the South-East as a significant factor that should prompt a reevaluation of political allegiances in 2027. He addressed misconceptions about the All Progressives Congress (APC) federal government since 2015. While acknowledging that the South-East has fewer ministerial appointments in the current cabinet, he argued that this does not equate to marginalization.
He provided a practical comparison: “Between 2010 and 2015, when Goodluck Jonathan was the President, he gave the Igbo almost all the appointments… but it didn’t translate to developmental strides in Igbo land, compared to what we have today.” This suggests that quantitative appointments do not always correlate with tangible development.
Isiguzoro also challenged the prevailing mindset in Nigeria that views some ethnic groups as “uncontrollable” and others as “conquered people,” a perception that has historically relegated the Igbo to second-class citizen status since the war. He firmly rejected this notion, asserting, “Igbo people can never be second-class citizens.”
Key Demands and the Path to 2027
The paramount demand from the Igbo people, according to Isiguzoro, is infrastructural investment in the South-East. He emphasized that the Igbo are not dependent on government handouts but are “purely the drivers of the Nigerian economy,” requiring only the necessary facilities to propel national economic growth.
He drew a distinction between Tinubu’s approach and that of his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, suggesting that Tinubu is actively rectifying 55 years of post-war grievances. The creation of an additional state for the South-East, bringing its total to six, was proposed as a measure that could significantly alter the region’s perception of the government.
Regarding potential support for Tinubu in 2027, Isiguzoro clarified that Nnamdi Kanu’s arrest was not the President’s direct action. He stressed the importance of respectful engagement, stating, “To insult a man and expect to get a favourable response is not acceptable in our own tradition and culture.” He attributed the disconnect between the Igbo and the APC government partly to the failure of Igbo political leaders within the APC to effectively integrate the populace into mainstream politics.
Tackling Insecurity and National Integration
The persistent issue of insecurity in the South-East was addressed with concern. Isiguzoro squarely placed the blame on the governors of the region, stating, “They have failed the South-East people in security.” He highlighted the underfunding of the region’s security outfit as a critical factor contributing to its ineffectiveness.
Isiguzoro underscored the interconnectedness of security across Nigeria, emphasizing that “Igbo people are the true Nigerians” due to their widespread presence across the nation. Insecurity anywhere, therefore, poses a threat to the unity of the Igbo people and Nigeria as a whole.
The Igbo aspirations are centered on security, a fair operating environment, and full integration into the Nigerian fabric. They seek the opportunity to compete and drive the economy, but are prepared to explore alternatives if these fundamental needs are not met. Despite past political setbacks and the relegation of Igbo representation to zonal levels, the belief in Nigeria and the aspiration for an Igbo presidency, perhaps in 2035 or 2039, remains strong.
Advocating for an Additional State
On the specific issue of state creation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has a clear stance. “In 2018, Ohanaeze Ndigbo endorsed the creation of Aba State,” Isiguzoro confirmed, reiterating the demand for an additional state within the South-East geopolitical zone.
