May 30, 2026 | SUNTV Global Channel
The youth wing of Ohanaeze Ndigbo has raised serious concerns over Nigeria’s worsening security situation, questioning whether the country is gradually becoming a “ransom economy” amid the alarming rise in kidnappings and ransom payments nationwide.
The concerns were expressed during an emergency stakeholders’ meeting held in Enugu State, where youth leaders of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization cited statistics reportedly sourced from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), describing the figures as evidence of a nation facing a deepening security crisis.
In a communiqué jointly signed by Acting National Youth Leader Wenceslaus Ogbonnia, Stakeholders Secretary Anyaene Chukwuma, and National Secretary Emmanuel Mbadiugha, the group warned that Nigeria is approaching a dangerous tipping point if urgent actions are not taken to address insecurity.
The youth leaders issued a 14-working-day ultimatum to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, requesting an audience with the President to present what they described as a comprehensive grassroots security blueprint aimed at restoring peace, safety, and economic development across the South-East region.
Speaking on behalf of the group, National Publicity Secretary Chika Art Adiele stressed that lasting peace in the South-East would require political solutions alongside security measures.
The group also renewed its call for the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, urging President Tinubu to demonstrate national reconciliation and unity by granting what they described as a compassionate resolution to the matter.
According to the youths, Kanu’s release would help reduce tensions and strengthen confidence among many people in the South-East.
Beyond national security concerns, the meeting also exposed growing divisions within Ohanaeze Ndigbo itself. The youth wing passed a vote of no confidence on the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Azuta-Mbata, accusing him of sidelining both the youth and women wings of the organization and failing to uphold constitutional processes since assuming office in January 2025.
The youths alleged that key organs of the organization have remained inactive under the current leadership, claiming repeated attempts to engage the President-General on youth development issues have been unsuccessful.
Declaring an end to what they called an administrative vacuum, the youth wing announced June 15, 2026, as the date for fresh National Executive Committee (NEC) elections. They further stated that, in line with established zoning arrangements, Enugu State should produce the next National Youth Leadership of the organization.
Despite their criticisms of the national leadership, the youth leaders praised Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah for ongoing infrastructure projects across the state. They particularly commended the administration’s investment in smart schools and rural development initiatives, describing them as transformative and beneficial to future generations.
When contacted for a response to the allegations and vote of no confidence, officials at the Ohanaeze Ndigbo national secretariat declined to comment. National Publicity Secretary Dr. Ezechi Chukwu stated that he would need to review reports of the meeting before making any public statement.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to monitor developments surrounding the security concerns, political demands, and leadership disputes within Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
