By CHARLES IWUOHA

Apex Igbo Socio-cultural Organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has confirmed the ongoing initiation of earnest and discreet diplomatic discussions involving Engr. David Umahi, select Igbo Elders, and President Bola Tinubu, towards releasing the detained Leader of Indigenous people of Biafra, lPOB, Nnamdi Kanu.

Ohanaeze said these dialogues are primarily aimed at persuading President Tinubu to recognize and act upon the compelling necessity for the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu.

The group stated that this endeavor represents not merely a personal pledge but a matter of national urgency and reconciliation.

The Pan lgbo Organization emphasized that Ohanaeze Ndigbo is compelled in the spirit of clarity and transparency to convey this unembellished message and stark truth to the Igbo Nation, saying significant preliminary negotiations are actively unfolding between the Presidency and the aforementioned parties.

Ohanaeze was reacting to media reports credited to IPOB dismissing claims made by the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi suggestion that negotiations are ongoing for the release of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

The claim was made by IPOB's Spokesperson, Emma Powerful, describing Umahi's comments as ?reckless and contemptuous,? calling them ?laughable propaganda? meant to deceive the public and weaken the resolve of those fighting for Biafra 's independent.

In a statement issued on Wednesday night by the factional Deputy President-General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and National Spokesperson, Thompson Ohia, Ohanaeze noted that the discussions have opened essential channels and viable pathways that may facilitate the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu, pending the outcome of the Federal High Court's final judgment in Abuja.

Part of the statement read ?Let it be known that this initiative, spearheaded by the Minister of Works, Senator Umahi?an unwavering ally of President Tinubu?alongside a select cadre of Igbo Elders, possesses both the authority and the blessing of the Igbo leadership and Ohanaeze Ndigbo to pursue this crucial trajectory. At this preliminary stage, it is pertinent to recognize that not all individuals, including Kanu?s associates, are directly involved.

?However, it is our commitment to subsequently involve Kanu?s representatives to ensure transparency and foster cooperation among all parties. In light of these developments, Ohanaeze Ndigbo earnestly urges all pro-Biafra agitators to momentarily lay aside their swords and embrace this initiative with the decorum befitting Nnamdi Kanu?s stature. We unequivocally reaffirm that no conditions will be imposed on Nnamdi Kanu regarding his release.

?President Tinubu will not be permitted to engage in political trading surrounding Kanu?s release in exchange for political support from the Southeast. Ohanaeze Ndigbo categorically rejects any notions of political barter concerning Kanu?s release; groups perpetuating such narratives are mistaken and should retract them forthwith, for they bear no merit and will not prevail.

?Furthermore, we wish to articulate this bitter truth to those maligning Senator Umahi or the Federal Government: such actions stem from either a fundamental misunderstanding of Umahi?s advocacy for Kanu?s release or from regrettable self-interest in Kanu?s continued incarceration. President Tinubu is poised to undertake decisive action regarding Kanu?s release after thorough assessment of the current legal proceedings.

?Therefore, we implore all pro-Biafra groups to cease further unwarranted attacks on Senator Umahi and the federal authorities; such actions only serve to obfuscate and impede our shared objective?namely, the release of Nnamdi Kanu.

?Ohanaeze Ndigbo to relay this vital message to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu: do what is just and right for the sake of posterity. The opportunity exists to embed your legacy in the hearts of Nigerians, particularly the Igbo people, through the release of Nnamdi Kanu. Let this decision send shockwaves across the nation, uniting us in our humanity and our collective pursuit of peace.

Kanu has been held by the Department of state services, DSS, since his controversial arrest and extraordinary rendition from Kenya in 2021. Despite numerous legal challenges, both local and international human rights groups have continue to call for his unconditional release.

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