The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has called for the immediate release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), insisting that the incarceration of the IPOB leader affects all Igbos.
Speaking at the Ohanaeze Imeobi and General Assembly at the national secretariat in Enugu on Thursday, the President General, Chief Senator John Azuta-Mbata, stressed that the federal government should not be misled by those promising Igbo votes while Kanu remains imprisoned in Sokoto.
“I have told the government that Nnamdi Kanu that is in jail, it is the entire Igboland that is there. There’s no Igbo man that is happy that Kanu is in incarceration.
“Let our people stop deceiving the federal government.
“We’re calling on the government of Tinubu to release Kanu. This is the minimal demand of Ndi Igbo.
“Additional state creation is a welcome development. We’re happy that it is receiving attention,” he emphasized.
Mbata also condemned the stereotyping of Igbo people but urged Ndigbo to remain law-abiding and respect the sensibilities of their host communities.
“The diaspora people, your representation matters. Let us, let your actions reflect the values we hold dear in Igbo land.
“It is wrong for Igbo to go to other people’s homes and behave as if there are no core values that our people prioritise. It is what you have gained from home that you take outside.
“We do not expect our people to go to various parts of the world and become lawless and begin to carry out all kinds of traditional practices that are not acceptable at home.”
The Ohanaeze PG also highlighted the importance of preserving Igbo language and culture, describing them as the fabric that binds the community together.
“Let us promote it in our homes, in our schools, in our communities.
“Our language is our identity. Let us preserve it for prosperity. As you all know, the UNESCO published a report not too long ago that Igbo language is endangered and that Igbo language is declining.”
He added that Ohanaeze has endowed professorial chairs for Igbo language and culture at four universities and plans to award scholarships and create online learning opportunities for the Igbo language, particularly for the diaspora.
Finally, Mbata charged Igbo politicians to be bold, visionary, and accountable, reminding them that the people are watching and that history will judge their actions.