…Slams South-East governors for inaction
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Retired Major General Ijioma Nwokoro Ijioma has described the continued detention of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, as a grave insult to the entire Igbo race.
Speaking as a guest speaker at the July edition of the Ikengaonline Town Hall meeting on Thursday, Gen. Ijioma took a swipe at the Igbo political elite, particularly the South-East governors, for their docility and inaction regarding Kanu’s plight.
He argued that if the governors and other political leaders from the region had acted in unity and pressed for Kanu’s release, he would have long regained his freedom.
“The continued incarceration of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is a spite on all Ndigbo,” he declared.
“In extreme situations, Nigerians have stripped Ndigbo of their humanity. You can take everything from a man, but not his humanity. Nnamdi Kanu represents the downtrodden Igbo man, who has been deprived of even the basic rights enshrined in our constitution—freedom and liberty.
“As long as Nnamdi Kanu remains in detention, Ndigbo as a people remain imprisoned. Freeing him should be a top priority, even for this administration. If they truly wish to show any sincerity in reintegrating the Igbos, then his freedom is non-negotiable. The freedom of Nnamdi Kanu is the freedom of the Igbos.”
Gen. Ijioma criticized the hypocrisy of political leaders seeking block votes from the South-East ahead of the 2027 general election while Kanu remains behind bars.
“Kanu’s release is very relevant to the politics of 2027. But if you continue to unjustly hold him behind bars and still call on the Igbo to participate in 2027 politics, I will not support such deceit.
“Kanu must be released if Ndigbo are to play any meaningful role in that election. I don’t see what he did that hasn’t been done—many times over—by others.
“Where is Sunday Igboho, the Oduduwa Republic agitator who sent a letter to Britain? Is he in jail? Is he being detained?”
When asked whether the participation of Ndigbo in the 2027 election should be tied to Kanu’s release, Gen. Ijioma said: “No, far from it. But it is very, very important that Nnamdi Kanu is released. So far, the courts have not found him guilty of anything. In fact, he was discharged and acquitted. So why is the federal government refusing to comply with the court order? Will his trial continue indefinitely?”
Asked about the potential role of retired Igbo military generals in facilitating Kanu’s release, Gen. Ijioma insisted the matter lies squarely with the political elite.
“Nnamdi Kanu’s case is a political persecution. It’s not for serving or retired generals. It’s a political matter that must be addressed by the political class—particularly the governors of the South-East.
“If the five South-East governors are truly representing Igbo interests, they can secure Kanu’s release. It should be a top priority for them. If they consider it their duty, they will ensure his freedom.”
He expressed disappointment that the South-East governors had not pursued Kanu’s release with the same vigor they use for their personal political interests.
“Why haven’t the five South-East governors mustered the courage to confront the federal government over Kanu’s continued detention? People who have taken up arms against the state have not been treated as harshly as Kanu—and by extension, the Igbo people.
“When will our political elite realize the need to stand for what is just and right for the Igbo people? That’s a question they must take to heart and answer sincerely.”
Gen. Ijioma insisted that those who seek public office must be prepared to defend the interests of their people.
“If politics is only about self-aggrandizement for them, then they are failing in their responsibility.”
Gen. Ijioma, who contested for governor of Abia State in 2023 under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), urged Ndigbo to make Kanu’s release a priority before 2027.
“Looking ahead to 2027, if anything meaningful is to happen for us as a people, the issue of Nnamdi Kanu’s release must be at the forefront of every Igbo man and woman’s agenda. Why can’t they release this young man after years of legal battles?
“Even after the courts ruled in his favor, the government of former President Buhari ignored the judgment. Now, the current administration has also failed to act. Some political jesters among us claim they’ve done everything for Ndigbo, yet their conscience hasn’t moved them to demand Kanu’s release.
“Ndigbo must demand his release before the 2027 election. Because if Kanu remains in detention and we proceed into that election, we will only be chasing shadows.”
