CITIZENS COMPASS— The apex socio-cultural organization representing the interests of the Igbo people, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has carpeted the life imprisonment slammed on the Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, by Justice James Omotosho, describing the verdict as disturbing, unfair, and potentially explosive for Nigeria’s fragile unity.
In a strongly worded statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Ezechi Chukwu, the apex Igbo socio-cultural body said the Igbo nation is “deeply disappointed” by the judgment, insisting that the ruling risks worsening distrust between the Southeast and the Nigerian state.
Quoting its President-General, Senator John Azuta-Mbata, the organisation said the sentence reinforces a perception of “discriminatory and harsh treatment” in Kanu’s case — a trend it warns is eroding confidence in national institutions.
“Beyond the legal questions, the Igbo nation is deeply troubled by the pattern of harsh treatment meted out in this case, which many perceive as reflective of ethnic bias. This perception erodes trust in national institutions and touches directly on the dignity and integrity of the Igbo people,” the statement read.
Ohanaeze cautioned that insecurity in the Southeast has already reached alarming levels, stressing that Kanu’s prolonged detention has become a dangerous rallying point for resentment, agitation and youth radicalisation.
“His incarceration has become a flashpoint for unrest, frustration and youth radicalization. Continued hardline responses will only deepen instability,” the organisation warned.
Calling for an urgent rethink, Ohanaeze urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to step in and consider a political solution as the only workable path to peace, healing and national reconciliation.
“In the interest of national unity, peace and equity, we urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to adopt a political solution. Dialogue, not maximal punishment, offers the best path toward healing longstanding grievances, restoring calm in the Southeast and advancing true national reconciliation,” the group said.
Ohanaeze added that Nigeria has reached a historic turning point and must choose fairness and inclusivity over policies that further alienate ethnic groups.
“Nigeria stands at a crossroads. Only justice anchored on fairness, sensitivity and inclusiveness can preserve the unity we all desire,” the statement concluded.
