Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, the Igbo sociocultural association, has asked the federal government to release Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The group is different from Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the more popular one headed by George Obiozor.
In a statement issued by Okechukwu Isiguzoro, its secretary-general, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide said the continued incarceration of the IPOB leader “will attract grave consequences”.
The group said Kanu’s release will prevent a possible breakdown of law and order in the country while adding that the sit-at-home order by IPOB will scuttle the efforts of Igbo leaders and politicians on the matter.
TheCable had reported that IPOB said it will enforce a lockdown every Monday in the south-east until Kanu is released.
The proscribed group said the lockdown tagged ‘Ghost Monday’ will also affect schools and marketplaces.
Reacting, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide said: “The sit at home declaration aimed at pressurizing the Nigerian authorities to release Nnamdi Kanu will destroy the backstage activities and efforts of Igbo leaders and politicians to use diplomatic means to get him released.
“There’s hunger and hardship in southeastern Nigeria, from sad experiences of past sit at homes, there were economic losses, destruction of properties, and hikes in prices of food and essential materials across southeastern Nigeria, and Igbos painstakingly endured untold hardship and this must not continue.
“Igbos should circumvent the hardships associated with sit at home and ignore it and go to their normal businesses on Monday, Ipob should review their stance and unveil more strategic planning with Southern Nigerian governors and legislators to press for the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu without hurting or subjecting the people to sorrow, affliction and despair.”
The IPOB leader is facing charges bordering on treasonable felony instituted against him at the federal high court in Abuja.
He was granted bail in April 2017 for health reasons but skipped bail after flouting some of the conditions given to him by the court.
Kanu was re-arraigned before Binta Nyako of the federal high court in Abuja on June 29 after being intercepted and extradited to Nigeria. His trial was adjourned till July 26 for a hearing.
But it was later adjourned till October 21 owing to the failure of the federal government to produce him in the court.
