The apex-Igbo socio-political organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, on Sunday tasked all five South-East governors as well as traditional and religious leaders to work as a team to push for the release of the embattled leader of the Independent Peoples of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.
The group, in a statement titled. ‘Addressing the concerns surrounding Nnamdi Kanu’s detention’, by its Secretary-General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, noted 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.”
The five Southeast governors are Alex Otti (Abia), Prof. Chukwuma Soludo (Anambra), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), Dr. Peter Mbah (Enugu) and Senator Hope Uzodimma (Imo).
The statement noted that “the Senate’s rejection of motions advocating for a political solution highlights the need for a re-evaluation of priorities and strategies in this critical situation.”
Calls for the release of the embattled IPOB leader have grown since the turn of the year.
On April 1, 2024, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, disclosed that efforts were ongoing to secure Kanu’s release.
He noted that while the court processes are ongoing, political solutions are in progress as well, adding that “I have always told people that I will never deny Nnamdi Kanu. He’s my brother. We come from the same place, and I will never be happy having him incarcerated when we can have him out and increase our pursuit of peace.”
On March 19, 2024, the Federal High Court in Abuja rejected the IPOB leader’s bail application.
The trial judge, Justice Binta Nyako, however, granted an accelerated hearing instead, while Kanu’s counsel, Alloy Ejimakor stated that his client’s health condition was deteriorating, adding that his continued detention by the Department of State Services was a threat to his life.
Also, the socio-political organisation stated its intentions to hold meetings with key stakeholders, including the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu; the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III; and Asari Dokubo.
Since June 2021, Kanu has been in detention at the DSS for charges bordering on terrorism since he was repatriated from Kenya to Nigeria.
However, in its advocacy message, Ohanaeze stressed the importance of using “diplomatic avenues and seeking forgiveness” from those holding sway over Kanu’s release.”
The statement read, “Ohanaeze Ndigbo underscores the importance of engaging with both local and international parties who may have reservations about Kanu’s past actions.
“By pursuing diplomatic avenues and seeking forgiveness from those holding sway over Kanu’s release, we can pave the way toward a resolution that benefits all involved.
“We call upon political leaders, traditional rulers, and religious bodies in the South-East region to reassess their approach and embrace a collective effort to address the root causes of insecurity by securing Kanu’s freedom.”
The apex-Igbo organisation added that “by fostering dialogue and providing assurances, we can work towards a harmonious resolution that transcends individual interests and upholds the greater good.”
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo said it remained steadfast in its commitment to seeing Nnamdi Kanu released and urged all concerned parties to prioritise unity, reconciliation, and diplomatic engagement in achieving this shared goal,” the statement read.
