The President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo World Wide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, has revealed that the prominent sociocultural organization representing the Igbo ethnic group is in the process of arranging a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The purpose of this meeting is to advocate for the immediate release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Iwuanyanwu made this announcement in Owerri, where he welcomed a delegation from the Supreme Council of Nigeria Traditional Rulers, Southeast chapter, led by its President, HRM Eze Iheanyichukwu Nwokenna of Abia State, and Vice President HRH Eze Dr. Oliver Ohanwe, also known as the Obi Gburu Gburu of Igboland.
The visit was a gesture of solidarity and took place at Iwuanyanwu’s Glass House Orji-Owerri office complex.
During the meeting, Iwuanyanwu expressed his appreciation for the visit, commending the patriotism and the stature of the traditional rulers from the Igbo region.
He voiced his regret that certain other ethnic groups in Nigeria have conveyed a perception of Igbo succession to the Federal Government, which has led to unwarranted fear and mistrust of the intentions of the Igbo community within the government.
Iwuanyanwu pointed out that statistical data demonstrates that the Igbos are vital contributors to the Nigerian project, as they possess more than 60 percent of the nation’s investments.
He also noted that their investments and residential presence span across the entire country, setting them apart from other ethnic groups that primarily invest and reside within their own geographical regions.
According to him: “Your request ( Supreme Council of Nigeria Traditional Rulers, South East chapter) and solidarity visit have reinvigorated my leadership intention to see President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on issues concerning Igbo ethnic group, more especially the need to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu of IPOB. His continual detention is escalating insecurity in Southeast.
Ahaejiagamba as he is known, further said that since his emergence as the President of the apex sociocultural organisation, he has instituted the organisation in all the continents of the world including America, Europe, Asia and South Africa noting that over 6,000 000 Igbos are living in diaspora.
HRH Eze Dr. Oliver Ohanwe, the traditional ruler of Isiama ancient kingdom in Isiala-Mbano LGA of Imo State and the Chief Host of the delegation, explained that their visit aimed to establish a mutually beneficial partnership with the leadership of the foremost sociocultural organization. Their shared mission and vision, he insisted, are geared towards the broader interests of the Igbo ethnic group.
Ohanwe, who praised Iwuanyanwu as a “Five-Star General,” also commended him for playing a stabilizing role among the Southeast Governors and other key stakeholders in the region.
He underscored their organization’s primary objective, which is to advocate for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu as a strategic measure to address the insecurity prevalent in the region and to promote a cohesive cultural identity among the Igbo community.
The monarch also disclosed their determined plans to meet with President Tinubu, his leadership team, and other prominent Nigerians to address the ongoing marginalization of the Igbo ethnic group. They seek to rectify the injustice, particularly concerning the continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu despite court orders for his immediate release.
Ohanwe commended the Southeast Governors for their efforts to revitalize collaborative socioeconomic activities in the region and their ongoing work to reposition and transform the zone.
