The top Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has renewed its support for restructuring of Nigeria under President Bola Tinubu.
The Secretary-General of the organization, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, made this known in a statement signed and released to newsmen on Thursday.
Ohanaeze also distanced themselves from the demands for the return of Biafra.
The organisation which attributed the recent surge in Biafra sentiment among the Igbo community to proliferation of ethnic, tribal and religious divisions by the past federal government, berated former President Muhammadu Buhari for failing to effectively address the atrocities committed by violent Fulani herdsmen in southern Nigeria.
The statement reads in part: “Ohanaeze Ndigbo holds former President Buhari responsible for amplifying Nnamdi Kanu’s influence. Had Buhari effectively addressed the atrocities committed by violent Fulani herdsmen in the south, Sunday Igboho and Nnamdi Kanu would not have been propelled to champion the cause of vulnerable southern farmers. Ohanaeze Ndigbo attributes Buhari to the actions of Nnamdi Kanu,”It stated.
They praised the Igbo ethnic-nationality leaders’ efforts to secure the IPOB leader’s freedom. Ohanaeze has announced a plan for a peace meeting involving key stakeholders like the Oba of Lagos, Niger Delta activist Asari Dokubo, and the Sultanltan of Sokoto. The aim is to advocate for forgiveness and cooperation in securing Kanu’s release.
“Additionally, it pledges to ensure Kanu refrain from broadcasting divisive content against Nigeria’s unity and instead clamors for a restructured Nigeria, following his willingness to engage in negotiations with the federal government.”
Meanwhile, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo has cautioned against the abuse of its leadership positions by individuals trying to extend their tenure through extortion and falsely labeling its elected representatives as Biafra agitators to impede the constitutional rights of Rivers State.
The group says, “No member of Ohanaeze Ndigbo is affiliated with separatist groups” and emphasizes a continuous call for Biafra agitators to renounce violence and pursue non-violent avenues for self-determination, allowing security agencies to address criminal elements exploiting the Biafra cause.