Ohaneze Ndigbo, an apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, has expressed profound apprehension regarding the recent ruling by the Court of Appeal in Abuja.
The ruling grants the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) the latitude to challenge a Federal High Court decision that had previously barred the prosecution of former Abia Governor and current Senator, Orji Uzor Kalu, over allegations of fraud totalling ₦7.1 billion.
In a statement issued by the Deputy President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Mazi Okechukwu Isigusoro, the ruling was described as suggestive of underlying motives that transcend mere judicial deliberation.
The organisation asserted that the spectre of political persecution against Igbo leaders remains a deeply entrenched reality.
According to Isigusoro, while Ohaneze Ndigbo maintains a steadfast position against corruption, categorically supporting the EFCC in its mandate to prosecute any public officials—past or present—on corruption allegations, they expressed concern over the discernible pattern of selective prosecution targeting prominent Igbo politicians, especially as electoral cycles approach.
He said: “It is alarming that anti-graft agencies like the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) are perceived as instruments employed to marginalise Igbo politicians from aspirational roles within the highest echelons of Nigerian governance, namely the Presidency, Senate Presidency, and Speakership of the Federal House of Representatives.”
He added: “Ohanaeze Ndigbo holds an unwavering commitment to a zero-tolerance stance on corruption. However, we cannot ignore the conspicuous disparities in prosecution levels across different regions.”
The organisation questioned why former governors from Kano, Kaduna, Ogun, Kogi, Sokoto, Akwa Ibom, Delta, and other states seemingly evade similar scrutiny despite compelling evidence of misconduct.
They declared that the continuous and overt targeting of Igbo leaders underscores a troubling reality: selective prosecution itself constitutes a form of corruption.
He said, “We firmly believe that there is palpable unease within the Igbo community regarding the renewed proceedings against Senator Orji Uzor Kalu.”
Ohaneze observed what they described as a systematic effort to displace him from his position in the Senate and possibly imprison him prior to the 2027 elections.
They noted that Senator Kalu has consistently stated his intention not to vie for the presidency in 2027, further endorsing the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He said: “Igbos are troubled by this development, particularly as Senator Kalu stands as a cornerstone of the Southeast representation in the Senate, distinguished for his commitment to delivering on electoral promises, prioritising the interests of the Igbo people above personal ambition.”
The organisation called on the EFCC to adhere strictly to due process in executing its constitutional duties while remaining steadfastly committed to the principles of the rule of law.
They also urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider that a precondition for sustained support for his government beyond 2027 must involve a reassessment of the ongoing cases against Igbo politicians, especially those concerning Senator Orji Uzor Kalu.
He declared that Igbo people stand united in demanding transparency, equity, and accountability in the political landscape while insisting that they will not remain passive observers while systemic injustices unfold to silence their leaders.
He said: “The time has come for a recalibration of our collective approach to governance—one that upholds the dignity of all citizens, irrespective of ethnic or regional affiliations, reinforcing our shared commitment to a just and equitable Nigeria.”
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