Disregard Lockdown Imposed by Simon Ekpa, Ohanaeze Tells Ndigbo
By Ben Nworie
As schools prepare to reopen, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has urged all Ndigbo to disregard the irrelevant and inconsequential lockdown imposed by Simon Ekpa and to resist any intimidation from criminal elements wishing to disrupt the region’s peace.
In a statement issued by the Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the body noted that the failure of the Southeast governors to engage effectively with President Bola Tinubu over the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), stands as a glaring oversight amid the disarray that has gripped the region.
According to them: “the lackadaisical approach exhibited by these governing figures has inadvertently created a vacuum, allowing insignificant actors like Simon Ekpa—currently operating from Finland—to manipulate public sentiment and threaten economic activities with his dubious declarations of lockdown”.
“Such antics serve only to further mock and ridicule a region steeped in rich history and remarkable leaders, including the illustrious Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Dr. Michael Okpara, Dr Francis Akanu-Ibiam, Dr Jaja Wachuku, Dr Alex Ekwueme, Dimm Odumegwu Chukwuemeka Ojukwu, Chief C C Onoh, and Chief Sam Mbakwe”.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo, condemns the current state of apathy, noting that the prolonged inaction following their commitments to engage with President Tinubu has emboldened non-state actors and their nefarious agenda”.
“The people of the Southeast continue to bear the brunt of this instability, and we firmly hold the governors accountable for their constitutional duty to safeguard the lives and properties of Ndigbo.
The apex body emphasized that it was incumbent upon the Southeast Governors to unequivocally assert their authority as the chief security officers of the region.
Isiguzoro therefore advised them to utilise innovative and homegrown mechanisms to tackle these unprecedented challenges rather than perpetuate reliance on ineffective conventional methods.
“It is imperative that these leaders leverage their relationships, notably with critical figures like the Attorney General of the Federation, to pursue a constructive dialogue for Kanu’s release, he said.
Ohanaeze further reiterated its commitment to advocating for genuine solutions to security crisis and further implored leaders to reclaim control of the Southeast and protect their people from the trepidations that loom.
