The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has issued a stern warning to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), advising them to maintain neutrality and cease interference in Ohanaeze's activities. The organization described such encroachment as "disconcerting" and "unequivocally unacceptable."
In a joint statement released on Tuesday by factional Deputy President-General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and Spokesperson Thompson Ohia, Ohanaeze expressed concern that IPOB is being misled by individuals who are allegedly benefiting from the continued incarceration of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the IPOB leader.
Misaligned Alliances
"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 statement read. "The very individuals responsible for the violence against IPOB members are those whom IPOB now chooses to defend."
Ohanaeze further claimed that certain elements within IPOB have found themselves defending those who are complicit in Kanu's detention, suggesting that these individuals are more interested in photo opportunities with Kanu in court rather than genuinely working toward his release.
Call for Unity
The pan-Igbo group also highlighted what it described as attempts to manipulate IPOB as a tool for blackmailing Ohanaeze's leadership. They announced their decision not to engage in media disputes with IPOB, particularly as they believe IPOB has been led to think that attacking Ohanaeze would advance their cause.
"The ongoing violence against innocent youths, who are unjustly branded as IPOB terrorists, is a direct consequence of this misalignment," the statement continued. Ohanaeze implored IPOB and all stakeholders within the Igbo community to reassess their alliances and redirect their efforts toward a united front against what they termed "true adversaries."
The organization called for a future characterized by "clarity of purpose, unyielding commitment to justice, and profound respect for the sanctity of our shared heritage."
This development comes amid ongoing tensions within Igbo leadership circles and continued advocacy for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, who has been in detention facing various charges related to his separatist activities.
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