The factional Secretary-General of Ohanaeze, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, on Sunday, said the self-acclaimed Prime Minister of Biafra, Simon Ekpa was exploiting the weakness of Southeast governors to issue baseless threats.

Isiguzoro was responding to Ekpa’s threat to lock down the Southeast from August 28 to September 26, 2024.

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Ekpa had threatened a 30-day lockdown of the Southeast over the insecurity in the region and the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu, the Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra.

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He claimed the decision was agreed upon in a virtual meeting by his Biafra Government in Exile, BRGIE, cabinet, saying that the lockdown would affect all Nigerian government offices in Imo, Abia, Enugu, Ebonyi and Anambra States in the South-East region.

Reacting, Isiguzoro, said the recent meeting between the Southeast governors with former President Olusegun Obasanjo should have paved the way for a collective visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to advocate for Kanu’s release.

Isiguzoro called for an urgent reassessment of the Southeast governors’ strategies in addressing challenges confronting the region.

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In a statement he signed, Isiguzoro said: “There exists a palpable frustration among Nigerians and, particularly, the Igbo populace concerning the recent actions—or notable lack thereof—of the Southeast Governors in asserting their authority as the chief security officers of their respective states.

“Their insufficient responses to pressing security challenges have allowed inconsequential figures, such as Simon Ekpa, to exploit their weakened stance, issuing baseless threats to disrupt economic activities and peace within the region by declaring an illegitimate lockdown from August 28 to September 26, 2024.

“It is disheartening to witness a once-respected region, known for its notable leaders—such as the revered Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Dr Michael Okpara, Dr Francis Akanu-Ibiam, Dr Alex Ekwueme, Dimm Odumegwu Chukwuemeka Ojukwu and Chief Sam Mbakwe—become a source of mockery and derision due to the reckless antics of individuals like Simon Ekpa, who conducts his dubious activities from abroad, all the while diminishing our collective dignity.

“It is imperative for them to focus on developing solutions rooted in indigenous methods, leveraging the unique cultural dynamics of the Igbo people, rather than relying solely on ineffective conventional approaches. We implore our governors to take decisive action towards engaging the Federal Government in the urgent matter of Nnamdi Kanu’s situation.”

Isiguzoro asserted that Ohanaeze is steadfast in its commitment to finding genuine pathways to resolve the spiralling insecurity in the Southeast.

“The absence of action in seeking Kanu’s release not only endangers our communities but also allows criminals masquerading as Biafran agitators to proliferate under the guise of activism. We hold the governors accountable for their constitutional duties to protect the lives and properties of the Igbo people.

“Therefore, we extend a clarion call to the Southeast Governors, it is time to restore leadership and reclaim control of the region from the clutches of criminal elements. Should they neglect these responsibilities, the repercussions will be dire. Ohanaeze Ndigbo urges every Igbo individual to disregard the non-existent lockdown proclaimed by Simon Ekpa, and we will no longer tolerate decisions made in absentia that threaten our livelihoods.”

Isiguzoro also called for vigilance as primary and secondary schools prepare for reopening.

“It is crucial that our communities remain vigilant and resilient against these threats. Ohanaeze Ndigbo remains resolute in denouncing the illegitimate lockdown and will continue advocating for the protection and welfare of the Igbo people,” he added.