Two prominent United States-based civil society organizations, Rising Sun Foundation and Ambassadors for Self-Determination, have criticized Igbo political leaders for allegedly failing to sincerely push for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
In a strongly worded statement on Monday, jointly signed by their representatives, the groups accused governors, politicians, and Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo leaders of prioritizing personal ambitions over the collective welfare of the Igbo people.
The groups described the actions of Igbo leaders as “maramara n’ihu, gwampiti n’azu” (smiling in public, betraying in private), accusing them of covertly ensuring Kanu’s continued detention despite public declarations for his release.
“They may call for his release publicly, yet engage in backroom deals that perpetuate his incarceration,” the statement reads.
As Kanu marks 30 months in detention under the Directorate of State Security Services (DSS), the organizations acknowledged a perceived shift by President Bola Tinubu’s administration toward dialogue on his release. However, they noted that Kanu remains the only political detainee in a list of activists, including Sunday Igboho and Omoyele Sowore, who have been released.
“The selective application of justice raises serious questions about fairness and systemic issues within the Nigerian political landscape,” they noted.
The groups demanded an immediate united front from Igbo leaders in Nigeria and the diaspora, urging governors, lawmakers, traditional rulers, and Ohanaeze leaders to amplify efforts for Kanu’s release.
“Kanu’s detention is not just a personal tragedy—it symbolizes the broader struggle for the Igbo nation’s survival and dignity. As long as he remains imprisoned, the entire Igbo nation is held captive,” the statement emphasized.
Drawing parallels with global struggles for freedom, the CSOs highlighted the urgency of adhering to court rulings and United Nations directives mandating Kanu’s unconditional release.
“The time is ticking, and the potential for unrest is growing. If we unite, we can secure Kanu’s release and pave the way for a future marked by freedom and progress,” the statement concluded.
The Rising Sun Foundation and Ambassadors for Self-Determination have called for intensified efforts to ensure Kanu’s freedom, warning that the consequences of his continued detention could be dire for the Igbo people and the Nigerian state.
