Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, on Friday, stated that if federal government wants to end uprising in southeast, it should free all Biafran detainees in Correctional Facilities across the zone.
The group warned that any negotiation being made by Igbo leaders for the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB) Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, must include the release of all detainees of the group.
Ohaneze, issued the warning in a statement signed by the Secretary-General of the Igbo group, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro.
The Igbo group alleged that there is segregation in the ongoing classified negotiations between a few Igbo politicians, elder statesmen and the Federal Government for the release of a few leaders of Biafran agitators including the IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, leaving over 900 other detainees behind.
The group cautioned against the move, stating; “we have it in good authority that not more than 983 Biafran detainees are incarcerated in various Correctional Facilities across the seven Igbo speaking states. And out of it,182 Igbo prisoners of conscience mainly youths and women are currently languishing in Port Harcourt Maximum Correctional Center, on awaiting trial over related cases of Biafra agitation between 2016 and 2021.
“It’s our obligation to alert the Federal Government to ensure that whatever Nnamdi Kanu stands out to benefit must be extended to these youngsters whose crimes were only wearing of Biafra costumes and identity cards. No matter what, this is the first time we are speaking on their behalf, and they deserve pardon like Nnamdi Kanu”.
Ohaneze, urged the Federal Government to use the government’s instrumentality to secure the release of all the Biafran detainees in various Correctional Facilities in Port Harcourt, Asaba, Owerri, Awka, Enugu, Umuahia, Onitsha, Abakiliki and Aba for peace to restored. ”The Federal Government should demand the comprehensive lists of all Biafran detainees and join it in the ongoing peace deal with Nnamdi Kanu’s team”, the group stated.
Ohaneze, also pleaded with all repented Biafra members to lay down their grievances and surrender to the federal government for them to receive clemency and acquittals.
“This is the finest hour for all intending and repented Biafran members to come out and embrace peace. We will lead them if the need arises to convince the Federal Government and southeast Governors to accept them and rehabilitate them for peace to return to southeast. There are over 2500 of intending and repented Biafran youths scattered across the southeast that crave for a rehabilitation programme.
“If Federal Government had rehabilitated deadly Boko Haram members and have reintegrated them back to the society, what is good for the goose is equally important for the gander.