Ohanaeze lauds FG for mulling dialogue over Kanu, Igboho

[From CHINEDU NWAFOR, Abakaliki]

Apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide, has lauded the Federal Government of President Muhammadu Buhari for contemplating a political solution for the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and the Yoruba nation agitator, Sunday Adeniyi Adeyemo, aka Sunday Igboho.

This is, however, as the umbrella body of the Yoruba self-determination group known as Ilana Omo Oodua, told the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami SAN, to free Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday ‘Igboho’ Adeyemo before any talk of a political solution which he had alluded to, earlier Wednesday, while also asking the AGF to define what he meant by political solution to secessionists agitations in the country.

It would be recalled that AGF Malami, while featuring as guest on Arise TV, Wednesday, had responded to a question on the mounting secessionist agitations facing the country from the South East and South West, had noted that criminal conducts would never go unpunished, even as he added that the government has been using the amnesty policy to tackle some security challenges in the country and as such the possibility of a political solution cannot be ruled out.

While Nnamdi Kanu who is presently in the custody of the Department of State Security (DSS) facing charges of treason, terrorism, and others, has spearheaded secessionist agitations from the South East through his Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) group, Sunday “Igboho’ Adeyemo, through his Yoruba Nation pro-secession platform has been advocating a similar agenda for the people of South West.

Malami said that the Federal Government will not rule out a political solution to the cases of (Nnamdi) Kanu and (Sunday) Igboho, as being canvassed by some leaders and other stakeholders in the country, but noted that although such consideration is not yet on the table, he would not mind taking a shot at it once there is an approach on how to go about it.

“As far as security situation is concerned is concerned and as far as governance and this administration is concerned, you cannot rule out all possibilities. But then there has to be an approach for government to consider”.

He however, explained that he cannot be preemptive at this stage by stating clearly and outrightly that reconciliation is being considered without an approach being made.

According to him, It is the approach if at all any was made that the government “will look into for the purpose of looking at its weight, the authenticity of it, the good faith associated with it and then bring about the considerable factors relating to the negotiations or otherwise.

“So it is not a conclusion that one can outrightly make without juxtaposing associated facts relating to the reconciliation, there has to be an approach and then a counter consideration.

“So no approach in that respect is on table for consideration yet. So we’ll cross the bridge when eventually we get to that when perhaps a type of request is made, we’ll consider”, Malami said.

Reacting to the AGF Malami’s position, in a statement made available to Journalists in Enugu, Friday by its National publicity secretary, Chiedozie Alex Ogbonnia, the Igbo group said minister’s enthusiasm on the option of political solution to the security challenges in Nigeria reflected the views of Ohanaeze Ndigbo that the Igbo nation was not at war with Nigeria.

“As far as security situation is concerned and as far as governance and this administration is concerned, you cannot rule out all possibilities.

“The President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Ambassador Professor George Obiozor has on several occasions advised the federal government to learn a lesson from history by not fighting an unwinnable war against nationalism but seek possible peaceful options that are the only solution that guarantees national unity and peaceful co-existence.

“The common Igbo refrain is equity and justice. Therefore, it is hoped that political solution to the current security challenges will be a long way in sustaining the corporate existence of Nigeria.”

Meanwhile, the Ilana Omo Oodua, Thursday, has maintained that the persecuted Igboho had committed no crime in seeking a separate state for the Yoruba out from Nigeria.

Professor of History, Banji Akintoye, leader of the group, said the Federal Government of Muhamadu Buhari should first ensure the release of Igboho from the Benin Republic prison custody before it can talk of a political solution to the crisis of secessionist agitations confronting the country.

As a response to AGF Malami’s position on a political solution, Professor Akintoye, who spoke to the media, Thursday, insisted the AGF Malami ‘should clarify himself,’ on what he meant by a political solution, as he further said that ‘Igboho has not committed any offence and there has not been any charge from the Nigerian government against Igboho in the court.’

“We have read what the AGF said about not ruling out political solution but he needs to clarify what he means by that. Does he want us to come and beg the Nigerian Government or approach it when Igboho and other Yoruba Nation agitators have not committed any offence?

“Our position is that Malami should clarify himself. However, Igboho has not committed any offence and there has not been any charge from the Nigerian government against Igboho in the court.

“We are focused on our agitation. However, if the Nigerian Government open up to dialogue on how we can peacefully actualise our aim, we are open to it. The release of Igboho will also be part of the negotiation. If we want to have that discussion, Igboho has to be on the seat in the dialogue meeting.”