Presidency officials say they do not consider Nnamdi Kanu an Igbo leader of thought

PRESIDENCY officials have revealed that they do not consider Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (Ipob) leader Nnamdi Kanu as an Igbo leader of thought hence why he was not invited to the recent parley with leaders from across the southeast.

Last week, acting president Professor Yemi Osinbajo held a get-together with Igbo leaders of thought at State House in Abuja after holding a similar meeting with northern leaders. These meetings were called in response to the recent ultimatum given to Igbos living in northern Nigerian by a coalition of Arewa youth associations that they should leave the region by October 1.

Explaining why Mr Kanu was not invited to the parley, the special adviser to the president on political matters Senator Babafemi Ojudu, said he was not considered a community leader. In addition, he explained that the agitation for secession and calls for referendum being championed by Ipob were not up for discussions during the meeting.

Senator Ojudu, said: “Well, the thing is that we were looking for leaders of the people, leaders of thought and we do not see him as a leader of thought in the east. Maybe opportunity will come at one time or the other for him to be engaged but so far, what we have done is to look at people who have influence in the communities, whether it is religious, whether it is traditional, whether it is political, social or governance.

"Ohanaeze came with a prepared document and they never talked about referendum and never even talked about secession. They made complaints about police harassment at road blocks and made complaints about losing some key positions, not being appointed into security positions and all those kinds of things."

According to Senator Ojudu, these are things that can easily be addressed and nobody canvassed secession or a referendum at those meetings. He further noted that the southeast leaders were in agreement with the federal government that Nigeria should remain as one.

He said the government will work towards addressing the problem of youth unemployment and frustration across the country. Senator Ojudu said the conclusion that everybody came to in the consultations they have had was that we should all agree that we can live together peacefully.