Ohanaeze calls on South East governments and others to help Nnamdi Kanu be released.
On Sunday, the foremost Igbo socio-political group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, assigned the five governors of the South-East, along with traditional and religious leaders, to collaborate in demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the beleaguered leader of the Independent Peoples of Biafra.
The group’s Secretary-General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, stated in a statement titled “Addressing the concerns surrounding Nnamdi Kanu’s detention” that it was “disheartening to observe the lack of unity and resolute action among Southeast governors and other key stakeholders in championing Kanu’s cause.”
Alex Otti (Abia), Prof. Chukwuma Soludo (Anambra), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), Dr. Peter Mbah (Enugu), and Senator Hope Uzodimma (Imo) are the five governors of the Southeast.
According to the statement, “a re-evaluation of priorities and strategies is necessary in this critical situation,” as seen by the Senate’s rejection of motions calling for a political solution.
Since the year’s beginning, there have been increasing calls for the release of the troubled IPOB leader.
The House of Representatives’ Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, announced on April 1, 2024, that Kanu’s release was still being worked on.
He stated that “I have always told people that I will never deny Nnamdi Kanu,” and that “political solutions are in progress while the court processes are ongoing.” He is my sibling. We are from the same hometown, therefore I will never be content to see him behind bars when we can release him and intensify our efforts to bring about peace.
On March 19, 2024, the Federal High Court in Abuja denied the IPOB leader’s request for bail.
Nevertheless, Kanu’s attorney, Alloy Ejimakor, said that his client’s health was declining and that his continuing imprisonment by the Department of State Services constituted a threat to his life. The trial judge, Justice Binta Nyako, then allowed an expedited hearing.
The socio-political organization also said that it would be meeting with important players, including as Asari Dokubo, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto, and Rilwan Akiolu, the Oba of Lagos.
Kanu was returned from Kenya to Nigeria in June 2021, and the DSS has been holding him since on suspicion of terrorism-related offenses.
But Ohanaeze emphasized in its advocacy statement how crucial it is to use “diplomatic avenues and seek forgiveness” from those who have the power to decide whether or not to free Kanu.
The statement said as follows: “Ohanaeze Ndigbo emphasizes the significance of interacting with local and international parties who may harbor misgivings regarding Kanu’s previous actions.”
“We can pave the way toward a resolution that benefits all parties involved by pursuing diplomatic avenues and asking for forgiveness from those holding sway over Kanu’s release.”We demand that South-East regional political leaders, traditional leaders, and religious organizations reconsider their strategies and unite in addressing the underlying reasons of instability by ensuring Kanu’s freedom.
“By encouraging dialogue and offering assurances, we can work towards a harmonious resolution that transcends individual interests and upholds the greater good,” the leading Igbo organization continued.
