Jackson Omenazu, the newly elected factional President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has made a bold vow to secure the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). In a powerful statement released on Wednesday, January 9, 2025, Omenazu pledged to do whatever it takes, including sacrificing his own liberty, in order to bring Kanu home. He emphasized that the restoration of peace in Igbo land is closely tied to Kanu’s freedom.
Omenazu’s message came at a pivotal moment for the Igbo community, as discussions around Kanu’s continued detention remain a source of tension within the region. In his statement, Omenazu declared, “I stand resolutely prepared to exchange my freedom, my liberty, and, if need be, my very life, in pursuit of the release of our brother, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.” His words reflect a deep personal commitment to a cause he believes is essential for the peace and progress of the Igbo people.
The new President General reiterated that Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the influential socio-cultural organization that represents over 80 million Igbos worldwide, would explore all available means to secure Kanu’s release. He acknowledged the critical role that the organization plays in advocating for the rights of Igbos globally, stressing that the group’s efforts would not waver in the face of adversity. “We recognize the historical precedents set by the Yoruba leadership exemplified in the release of Sunday Igboho, where steadfast solidarity and bold diplomacy carved pathways to justice,” Omenazu stated.
Drawing a parallel between the Yoruba community’s successful efforts to gain the release of their own leader, Sunday Igboho, Omenazu called on his people to adopt a similarly determined approach. He emphasized that Ohanaeze Ndigbo would not rely on superficial tactics but would instead take bold and innovative steps to achieve its goal. “It is incumbent upon us, as guardians of our cultural heritage, to adopt a similar resolute approach, employing innovative and discreet tactics rather than the ineffective, superficial measures that have characterized our past engagements,” he explained.
A key part of Omenazu’s strategy involves collaborating with all religious groups within Igbo land. He announced plans to engage with Christian, Muslim, traditional, and even Jewish religious organizations to build a united front. The first major step in this strategy will be the institution of regular prayer sessions, aimed at invoking divine intervention. “In pursuit of this noble cause, Ohanaeze Ndigbo will embark on a strategic collaboration with all religious organizations active within Igbo land, be they Christian, Muslim, traditional, or Jewish,” Omenazu revealed.
Furthermore, he declared that the last weekend of every month in 2025 would be set aside as sacred times for collective prayer and supplication. “We shall consecrate the last weekends of each month throughout 2025 as sacred times for prayer, supplication, and ordinances,” Omenazu announced. These prayer sessions will focus not only on the release of Kanu but also on the freedom of other prisoners of conscience across Nigeria, in the hopes of restoring peace throughout the Igbo homeland and the nation at large.
In a deeply personal appeal, Omenazu underscored his commitment to the cause, stating that his role as President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo was not defined by titles or positions but by sacrifices made for the collective good. “As the leader entrusted with the voice of our people, I vow with utmost commitment to this cause,” he asserted. “In the spirit of true leadership, which is defined not by titles but by sacrifices made for the collective good for all humanity. I declare: I am prepared to sacrifice my personal liberty and comfort for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.”
The new Ohanaeze president’s remarks also extended a direct appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to listen to the calls for Kanu’s release. Omenazu, a leader known for his bold stance on Igbo issues, offered himself as a guarantor to ensure Kanu’s cooperation upon release, suggesting that his return could serve as a catalyst for healing and reconciliation within Nigeria. “I offer myself as a guarantor for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s cooperation post-release, ready to ensure that his return catalyzes healing and reconciliation rather than discord,” Omenazu offered.
Further, Omenazu sought to allay fears that Kanu’s release would destabilize the Nigerian government or spark violence, emphasizing that the pursuit of justice was a moral imperative rather than a political threat. “We must not allow fear to hinder our collective responsibility—a fear that is unfounded in all political calculations because the stability of the Nigeria government will not be destabilized for single action-based justice in this instance,” Omenazu asserted.
Despite the challenges that lie ahead, Omenazu remains confident that the cause is achievable. “The challenge before us is profound, yet it is not insurmountable,” he said, reinforcing his belief in the power of unity and determination. His message of perseverance aims to inspire both the leadership of Igbo communities and everyday citizens to stand together for a common goal.
The President General of Ohanaeze also noted that the movement for Kanu’s release was part of a larger effort to strengthen the Igbo identity and unity. He stressed that the advocacy for Kanu’s freedom was not just about one man but about upholding the rights of the Igbo people and advancing the cause of justice. “The advocacy for Kanu’s freedom only serves to underscore the need for a unified front,” he said, calling for solidarity among Igbos both within Nigeria and in the diaspora.
Omenazu’s speech was a direct call to action for all Igbos, urging them to take personal responsibility in the fight for justice. “This sacrifice must be counted as steps toward justice—let us not shy away from this noble endeavor,” he declared, invoking the memory of past leaders who fought for the rights and freedom of the Igbo people.
The rhetoric of sacrifice, unity, and justice was a central theme throughout Omenazu’s address. He framed the pursuit of Kanu’s release as a continuation of the struggle for Igbo dignity and self-determination. “Let us remember the sacrifices of our forebears who fought valiantly for our rights and freedoms,” Omenazu concluded, rallying the Igbo community to join him in his mission.