Jackson Omenazu, the newly elected factional President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has pledged unwavering commitment to securing the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, asserting that peace in Igbo land is tied to Kanu’s freedom.
In a statement personally signed on Wednesday, Omenazu declared, “I am fully prepared to exchange my freedom, my liberty, and even my life if necessary, to secure the release of our brother, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.” He emphasized that Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the leading socio-cultural body of over 80 million Igbos worldwide, is dedicated to employing every possible means to achieve this goal.
Citing the example of Yoruba leaders who secured the release of Sunday Igboho through strategic solidarity and diplomacy, Omenazu called on the Igbo people to adopt similarly effective and innovative tactics. He criticized past approaches as superficial and pledged to foster collaboration with religious organizations across the Igbo community, including Christian, Muslim, traditional, and Jewish groups.
According to Omenazu, Ohanaeze Ndigbo will dedicate the last weekends of every month in 2025 to prayer and supplication for divine intervention in Kanu’s case and the release of other political prisoners, aiming to restore peace in the region.
“As President-General, I commit myself wholly to this cause, pledging not only my leadership but my liberty and comfort to secure Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s freedom,” he stated. “This is more than a duty; it is a solemn oath I take in service to the Igbo people and humanity as a whole.”
Omenazu also appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to heed the cries of the Igbo people, offering himself as a guarantor for Kanu’s conduct post-release. He reassured that Kanu’s freedom would foster healing and reconciliation rather than instability, urging bold steps to address the issue.
“This is not a time for fear, as justice for one man will not destabilize the nation. The pursuit of Kanu’s release demands unity and resolve,” he added. Omenazu called on Igbos worldwide and all citizens of goodwill to support this mission, drawing inspiration from the sacrifices of their forebears who championed the cause of justice and freedom.