UNIEC WORLDWIDE ON NNAMDI KANU’S AVID CONVENTION ADDRESS 2026: ADVOCATING JUSTICE, PEACEFUL DIALOGUE, HUMAN RIGHTS AND IGBO UNITY.

UNIEC WORLDWIDE REACTS TO MAZI NNAMDI KANU’S ADDRESS TO AVID CONVENTION 2026

OFFICIAL QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS NEWS COMMENTARY

An Objective Institutional Perspective on Igbo Aspirations, Self-Determination, Human Rights and Peaceful Engagement

ENUGU, NIGERIA — UNIEC Worldwide comments on Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s address to the American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID) Annual Convention 2026 in Duluth, Georgia, themed “Maka Ọdịmma Ndị Igbo — For the Good and Benefit of the Igbo People.”

QUESTION 1: What is UNIEC Worldwide’s position on the address?

ANSWER:

UNIEC acknowledges the address and the importance of diaspora engagement for Ndigbo’s welfare, security, dignity and aspirations. It thanks AVID and its leadership for their reported advocacy, reiterates Kanu’s position on Biafran self-determination, demands a referendum and calls for the release of persons he considers unjustly detained.

These issues deserve objective consideration, respecting established facts, applicable law and everyone’s rights.

QUESTION 2: Does UNIEC accept every allegation in the address as established fact?

ANSWER:

No. Responsible engagement distinguishes political opinions and allegations from facts established through credible evidence. Concerns about detention, legal proceedings, representation and relations between Ndigbo and Nigeria require objective examination.

UNIEC encourages credible investigation, due process and constructive dialogue. Unverified allegations and premature conclusions must not replace evidence, fairness and sound judgment. UNIEC urges all parties to remain measured, respectful, and attentive to credible evidence.

QUESTION 3: What is UNIEC’s position on self-determination?

ANSWER:

UNIEC recognises identity, security, representation and belonging as important concerns. They should be addressed through peaceful, lawful and democratic processes that respect rights, protect lives and consider affected communities’ legitimate interests.

The Council encourages dialogue and practical solutions that address genuine grievances, reduce tension and promote a just and peaceful society.

QUESTION 4: Does the pursuit of justice require confrontation?

ANSWER:

No. Justice and peaceful engagement should reinforce each other. Grievances do not justify violence, intimidation, hatred or condemning entire communities. Equally, peace must not be invoked to dismiss credible allegations of injustice or silence concerns.

Durable peace depends on hearing grievances, examining evidence and pursuing lawful remedies. Justice, reconciliation and national unity are more sustainable when founded on fairness and mutual respect.

QUESTION 5: What lessons does Igbo traditional wisdom offer?

ANSWER:

Our elders teach: “Okenye anaghị anọ n'ụlọ ewu amụọ onye.” An elder should not remain passive when responsibility calls for intervention. Difficult questions cannot simply be ignored: where grievances arise, responsible engagement is necessary; where injustice is alleged, credible investigation and lawful remedies should follow.

Another proverb says: “Egbe bere, ugo bere; nke si ibe ya ebena, nku kwaa ya.” Let the kite perch and let the eagle perch; whichever denies the other space should have its wings broken. Its enduring lesson is coexistence, mutual respect and human dignity. Lasting stability cannot be achieved by denying others the opportunity to express legitimate concerns peacefully.

UNIEC further observes: “Peace without justice is fragile, and justice without wisdom can deepen division.”

QUESTION 6: What does UNIEC expect from AVID and other diaspora organisations?

ANSWER:

UNIEC urges AVID, diaspora organisations, traditional institutions, political leaders and stakeholders to advocate constructively for human rights, fair treatment, security and Ndigbo’s wellbeing.

Advocacy should be peaceful, evidence-based and responsible. Legal questions require competent judicial processes, political disagreements dialogue, and competing aspirations democratic engagement. The diaspora can promote credible information, partnerships and solutions that protect lives and dignity.

QUESTION 7: What is UNIEC’s message to Igbo leaders and the younger generation?

ANSWER:

Ndigbo’s future requires courage, unity, strategic thinking and responsible leadership. We must learn from history without remaining prisoners of division. Leaders should listen, while citizens pursue aspirations peacefully and lawfully.

We must bequeath wisdom, dignity, justice and solutions—not hatred, violence or inherited hostility.

QUESTION 8: What is UNIEC’s concluding message?

ANSWER:

UNIEC urges stakeholders to place dignity, justice, peaceful coexistence and Ndigbo’s wellbeing at the centre of public engagement. It remains committed to dialogue, elder-statesmanship and solutions promoting justice, unity and peace for Ndigbo and Nigeria.

Let our voices be courageous, our methods peaceful, our demands responsible and our commitment to justice unwavering. Let the elders counsel, the leaders listen, and the people pursue their aspirations through peaceful and lawful means.

ONE PEOPLE • ONE HERITAGE • MANY VOICES • ONE COLLECTIVE DESTINY

Custodians of Heritage • Voices of Conscience • Advocates of Justice and Unity

UNITED IGBO ELDERS COUNCIL (UNIEC) WORLDWIDE

Institutional Position: Non-Partisan • Non-Sectarian • Constitutionally Guided • Peace-Oriented • Elder-Statesmanship Driven

Issued under the Authority of the Supreme Elderly Council.