South East governors have been slammed by the apex socio-cultural organization Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

The group accused the governors of allowing Simon Ekpa disrupt the peace in the region.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo said the governors’ weak stance on the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, empowered the Finland-based Simon Ekpa to continuously declare sit-at-home in the region.

In a statement, on Monday, by its Secretary-General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Ohanaeze advised South East governors to take decisive action by engaging the federal government to ensure Kanu is released.

The statement read: “Their insufficient responses to pressing security challenges have allowed ‘inconsequential’ figures, such as Simon Ekpa, to exploit their weakened stance, issuing baseless threats to disrupt economic activities and peace within the region by declaring an illegitimate lockdown from August 28 to September 26, 2024.

“It is disheartening to witness a once-respected region, known for its notable leaders, such as the revered Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Dr. Michael Okpara, Dr. Francis Akanu-Ibiam, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, Dim Odumegwu Chukwuemeka Ojukwu, and Chief Sam Mbakwe, become a source of mockery and ridicule due to the reckless antics of individuals like Simon Ekpa, who conducts his dubious activities from abroad, all the while diminishing our collective dignity.

“We implore our governors to take decisive action toward engaging the federal government in the urgent matter of Nnamdi Kanu‘s situation.”

It added, “Therefore, we extend a clarion call to the South-East governors: it is time to restore leadership and reclaim control of the region from the clutches of criminal elements. Should they neglect these responsibilities, the repercussions will be dire.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo urges every Igbo individual to disregard the non-existent lockdown proclaimed by Simon Ekpa, and we will no longer tolerate decisions made in absentia that threaten our livelihoods.”