The Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC) has accused Southeast governors of sabotaging ongoing efforts to secure the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, insisting that their silence and inaction have prolonged his “illegal detention.”
The allegation was made by the National President of the OYC, Comrade Igboayaka O. Igboayaka, during his visit to Abakaliki for the official inauguration of Comrade Sebastine Obiya as the new Ebonyi State Chairman of the Council.
Igboayaka, who led a delegation of the National Executive Council to the event, said OYC has long maintained that a political solution remains the only credible pathway to resolving Kanu’s case.
He lamented that while several lawmakers are making efforts, Southeast governors have “failed woefully” to demonstrate the political courage needed to pressure the Federal Government.
“I have not seen any Southeast governor march to Aso Rock to demand Nnamdi Kanu’s release. If the five governors unite and make that move, Mr. President will grant it. Their silence is sabotaging the efforts of others,” he said.
He warned that the continued indifference of these leaders is pushing Igbo youth “to the wall,” stressing that their patience is running out.
The OYC President reaffirmed the Council’s position that Kanu’s trial is unconstitutional, citing his extraordinary rendition from Kenya and alleged breaches of legal processes.
“Nigeria breached all constitutional frameworks in this trial. We expect the Federal Government to discontinue this illegal case and adopt a political solution,” Igboayaka insisted.
He questioned why violent groups like Boko Haram insurgents and armed bandits receive amnesty while IPOB is labeled a terrorist organization.
“If you forgive terrorists and dine with bandits, why is Nnamdi Kanu still in detention?” he queried.
Earlier, the newly appointed Ebonyi State Chairman of OYC, Comrade Sebastine Obiya, pledged to uphold the Council’s objectives and confront political interference that has undermined Igbo unity.
He warned that some politicians have placed personal interests above regional welfare.
“Some selfish, egocentric politicians have reduced Igbo matters to personal affairs. We must correct this,” Obiya said.
He also vowed to ensure traditional institutions remain politically neutral to restore public trust in conflict resolution structures within the state.
With Kanu’s next court appearance imminent, the OYC reiterated its unwavering demand for his immediate release.
“Our expectation is simple: Nnamdi Kanu should be freed. The federal government must obey existing judicial pronouncements and do the needful,” Obiya added.
