UNIEC WORLDWIDE: Promoting Igbo Unity, Justice, Human Rights and Peaceful Self-Determination Through Dialogue and the Rule of Law.

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

OFFICIAL INSTITUTIONAL COMMENTARY

The United Igbo Elders Council (UNIEC) Worldwide acknowledges the address attributed to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to the American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID) Annual Convention 2026, held in Duluth, Georgia, under the theme “Maka Ọdịmma Ndị Igbo — For the Good and Benefit of the Igbo People.”

The address expresses appreciation to AVID and its leadership for their reported support and advocacy. It reiterates Kanu’s commitment to Biafran self-determination, his demand for a referendum, and his call for the release of persons he considers unjustly detained.

AN OBJECTIVE INSTITUTIONAL PERSPECTIVE

UNIEC recognises the importance of diaspora engagement in promoting the welfare, dignity, security and legitimate aspirations of Ndigbo. Advocacy for human rights, justice and peaceful resolution of political grievances deserves serious consideration.

The address raises concerns about detention, legal proceedings, political representation and the relationship between the Igbo people and the Nigerian state. These matters require credible evidence, due process, constructive dialogue and respect for human dignity.

However, its political allegations and assertions should not automatically be treated as independently established facts. Responsible leadership requires distinguishing personal convictions from verified evidence and political demands from legally determined outcomes.

THE QUESTION OF SELF-DETERMINATION

UNIEC believes that legitimate concerns about identity, security, representation and political belonging deserve peaceful and responsible engagement.

Self-determination is politically sensitive and should be addressed through lawful, democratic and non-violent processes that protect human life, respect fundamental rights and consider the legitimate interests of affected communities.

UNIEC encourages dialogue that seeks durable solutions rather than confrontation. Justice, reconciliation and national unity are strengthened when genuine grievances are heard rather than dismissed.

ELDERLY WISDOM AND IGBO PROVERBS

Our elders teach us: “Okenye anaghị anọ n'ụlọ ewu amụọ onye.” An elder should not remain passive when responsibility calls for intervention.

This proverb reminds leaders and stakeholders that difficult questions cannot simply be ignored. Where grievances exist, responsible engagement is necessary; where injustice is alleged, credible investigation and lawful remedies should follow.

Another Igbo 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 recognition of human dignity. Nigeria needs an environment where communities can express their aspirations without intimidation and disagreements are addressed without violence.

As our elders counsel, “Peace without justice is fragile, and justice without wisdom can deepen division.”

UNIEC’S CALL TO THE IGBO DIASPORA

UNIEC encourages AVID, Igbo diaspora organisations, traditional institutions, political leaders and other stakeholders to sustain constructive advocacy for human rights, fair treatment, security and the wellbeing of Ndigbo.

Advocacy should remain peaceful, evidence-based and responsible. Legal questions should be addressed through competent judicial processes, political disagreements through dialogue, and competing aspirations through democratic engagement.

The future of Ndigbo requires courage, unity, strategic thinking and responsible leadership. Our generations should inherit wisdom, dignity and constructive solutions rather than avoidable hatred.

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