In a fervent plea, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has made a special appeal to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to intervene in the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS). The appeal comes just 48 hours before the Supreme Court is set to consider an appeal challenging Kanu’s continued detention without trial.
In a letter titled “Special Appeal For The Release Of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,” Iwuanyanwu emphasized that Kanu’s release poses no threat to Nigeria’s democracy or social cohesion, especially given various court rulings and a declaration by the United Nations body that his arrest is illegal and unconstitutional.
“I want, on behalf of all Igbos worldwide, to appeal to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR to use his good office to direct the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,” the letter stated.
Iwuanyanwu highlighted the unanimous endorsement of Nnamdi Kanu’s release by a joint meeting of South-South, South West, South East, and Middle-Belt leaders, expressing the belief that Tinubu’s intervention would be a valuable Christmas gift to the Igbos and all Nigerians committed to peace and security.
The Ohanaeze leader underscored the negative impact of Kanu’s incarceration, citing the rise of terrorism in the southeast, which was previously known for its peace and patriotic zeal. He urged all parties to avoid actions that could escalate tensions in the region.
Furthermore, Iwuanyanwu advocated for a non-kinetic approach to security issues in the South East and called for amnesty for those expressing various forms of agitation in the region, emphasizing the importance of allowing individuals to earn a dignified livelihood.
This appeal amplifies the ongoing discourse surrounding Nnamdi Kanu’s detention and reflects broader calls for a peaceful resolution and stability in the southeastern region of Nigeria.
