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The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to order the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), during his one-day visit to Enugu State on Saturday.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Alex Ogbonnia, Ohanaeze expressed optimism about Kanu’s release and commended the federal government for what it described as a “gradual attitudinal change” toward the Igbo people.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo expresses immense delight over the gradual attitudinal change of the Federal Government towards the Igbo,” the statement read. “Ohanaeze has always maintained that national peace, unity, patriotism, and sustainable economic development are rooted in equity and social justice.”
The group stressed the detrimental effects of marginalization and insecurity on societal harmony, stating:
“There is hardly any society or group that can remain complacent under severe existential threats such as orchestrated marginalization, relative deprivation, and externally instigated insecurity and crises.”
Ohanaeze urged President Tinubu to use his visit to Enugu as an opportunity to make a historic decision.
“It is therefore hoped that with the Enugu visit, President Tinubu will write his name in gold in the hearts of Ndigbo and all well-meaning Nigerians by ordering the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,” the statement added.
Tinubu’s Visit to Enugu
President Tinubu is expected to commission various projects executed by Governor Peter Mbah’s administration during the visit.
This call for Kanu’s release comes amidst longstanding legal and political disputes between the Nigerian government and the judiciary. The government has faced repeated accusations of disobeying court orders directing Kanu’s release.
Kanu, who has been in detention since 2021, remains a central figure in the struggle for Biafra’s independence, a movement that has drawn significant attention and controversy within Nigeria and beyond.
Ohanaeze’s plea underscores the ongoing call for equity, justice, and peaceful coexistence across Nigeria.