BY JENNIFER EZIMAKOR
Apex lgbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has advised the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to uphold a position of neutrality and refrain from unwarranted interference in the activities of the body.
Ohanaeze, on Tuesday, said such encroachment is not only disconcerting but also unequivocally unacceptable and deserving of stern condemnation.
The pan Igbo group stated that it is troubling to observe that IPOB being misled by individuals who are, regrettably, benefitting from the prolonged and unjust incarceration of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
According to Ohanaeze, it is evident that certain elements within IPOB have found themselves cornered, defending those who are complicit in the detention of the IPOB leader.
In a joint statement issued by the factional Deputy President-General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and spokesperson, Thompson Ohia, the group extended its support to individuals who are not genuine members of the organisation but are closely allied with its leadership, thereby distorting the original mission.
“We cannot overlook the shameful alignment of IPOB with certain Igbo leaders who seem intent on exploiting Mazi Nnamdi Kanu as a scapegoat for their own ulterior motives. The very individuals responsible for the violence against IPOB members are those whom IPOB now chooses to defend.
“This contradiction not only undermines the integrity of our collective struggle but also diminishes our shared vision for justice and equity.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo would like to publicly inform the general populace of attempts to manipulate IPOB as a tool for blackmailing the leadership of our organisation. We will resolutely decline to engage in any media disputes or controversies with the leadership of IPOB, particularly as they have been led to believe that attacking Ohanaeze Ndigbo will serve their cause.
“We challenge IPOB to exercise caution in its choices, for the individuals they currently support is, in fact, the enemies of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. These individuals are more invested in taking photographs alongside him in court rather than genuinely advocating for avenues that would facilitate his release.
“The ongoing violence against innocent youths, who are unjustly branded as IPOB terrorists, is a direct consequence of this misalignment. At this pivotal moment, we implore IPOB and all stakeholders within our community to reassess their alliances and redirect their efforts towards a united front against our true adversaries.
“Let us collectively strive for a future marked by clarity of purpose, unyielding commitment to justice, and profound respect for the sanctity of our shared heritage,” the statement read.