The Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex socio-cultural organisation of the Igbo people, expresses profound dismay at the recent conduct of the Southeast Governors and their failure to assert their authority as chief security officers of the region. This collective inaction amidst escalating insecurity has regrettably facilitated the emergence of threats from Simon Ekpa, an inconsequential individual residing in Finland. His audacious declaration of a lockdown from August 28 to September 26, 2024, is a blatant affront to the dignity of our region and an egregious display of rascality, which no responsible leadership should tolerate.
We categorically denounce the continued mockery of the Southeast by such individuals, whose actions reduce our region to a subject of derision and a laughing stock among our compatriots. The legacy of esteemed leaders such as Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Dr. Michael Okpara,Dr Francis Akanu-Ibiam, Dr Alex Ekwueme, Dimm Odumegwu Chukwuemeka Ojukwu, Chief C C Onoh and Chief Sam Mbakwe should act as a clarion call for robust and dignified engagement rather than succumbing to the antics of opportunistic criminals masquerading as Biafra agitators.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo implores the Southeast Governors to adopt innovative, culturally resonant strategies to address these threats instead of relying on ineffective conventional approaches. Furthermore, we are disappointed by the absence of diligent efforts to negotiate an out-of-court settlement concerning the release of Nnamdi Kanu with the Federal Government. The Southeast Governors had convened on July 2, 2024, alongside notable leaders, to discuss this pressing matter, yet have yet to follow through on their commitment to engage with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The failure to assertively pursue the release of Nnamdi Kanu has left a void that has been exploited by non-state actors, further entrenching instability within the Southeast. The apathy displayed, particularly over the last seven weeks, must come to an end. As this stagnation persists, we reaffirm our stance: the onus lies with the Southeast Governors to ensure the safety and well-being of the Ndigbo populace.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo rejects the illegitimate lockdown proposed by Simon Ekpa. We call upon all Ndigbo people to remain resolute and disregard these misguided threats. As we prepare for the upcoming reopening of schools amid significant economic challenges, we cannot afford to be beholden to the whims of a distant individual seeking to impose his will upon our hardworking citizens.
In conclusion, we urge the Southeast Governors to rise to the occasion, reclaim control from criminal elements, and safeguard the lives and properties of our people. Should they fail to act decisively, we will be left with no choice but to escalate our appeal to President Tinubu for immediate intervention.
Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro
Secretary General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo
