- Former President Obasanjo holds closed-door meeting with Ohanaeze leaders, discussing Nnamdi Kanu’s release and security challenges in the South-East
- Ohanaeze Secretary-General describes the meeting as crucial, expressing optimism that outcomes will soon benefit the Igbo community globally
Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, engaged in a closed-door meeting with leaders of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, discussing crucial matters, with the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, and the prevailing insecurity in the South-East region taking center stage.
The Secretary-General of Ohanaeze, Chief Okey Emuchay, disclosed the key topics of discussion following the meeting. Emuchay described the deliberations as “very symbolic and crucial,” emphasizing that the outcomes would soon manifest and be appreciated by the Igbo community worldwide.
During the meeting held at Obasanjo’s home in Owerri, Imo State, President of Ohanaeze, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, expressed gratitude for Obasanjo’s historical role in ending the civil war with the slogan ‘no victor, no vanquished.’ Iwuanyanwu lauded Obasanjo’s patriotic and diplomatic initiatives during his presidency, highlighting his efforts in debt cancellation and economic rejuvenation.
The statement also mentioned the call for Nigeria to erect monuments in Obasanjo’s name for his sacrifices, and the assurance from Iwuanyanwu that the Igbo people would bestow a befitting honor on the former president in due time.
A source present at the meeting revealed that discussions on Kanu’s release and the security challenges in the region were thoroughly addressed. The source, a member of Ohanaeze’s executive, stated, “After deliberations on some matters of mutual interests, the leaders of Ohanaeze in their wisdom brought up Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s matter. He is our son. We will not deny him. Obasanjo and Ohanaeze discussed the matter thoroughly, and assurances were given.”
The Asiwaju of Owo Kingdom, Otunba Oyewole Fasawe, and other notable figures accompanied Obasanjo. The meeting underscores persistent calls from Ohanaeze for an end to alleged marginalization in the region and Kanu’s unconditional release from detention, a sentiment echoed by the Igbo community. Kanu was arrested in June 2021 and faces charges of treasonable felony. The details of the discussions are expected to be made public by Ohanaeze leadership in due course.
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