US-Based Igbo Veterans Urge South-East Governors to Secure Nnamdi Kanu’s Release by Christmas

A group of Igbo descendants in the United States, known as the American Military Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID), has called on leaders from Nigeria’s South-East to push for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). In an open letter addressed to the Igbo community, AVID emphasized the urgency of uniting to secure Kanu’s release through political channels.

Since Kanu’s detention in June 2021, AVID has been advocating for justice on his behalf. In their latest appeal, signed by Dr. Sylvester Onyia and Dr. Godson Obiagwu, the group criticized the lack of judicial progress in Kanu’s case and urged the South-East Governors Forum (SEGF) to directly engage with President Bola Tinubu to resolve the issue.

The letter warned that any delay could be perceived as complicity in Kanu’s continued incarceration. It also addressed rumors suggesting that certain politicians may be hindering Kanu’s release due to political ambitions, urging them to set aside personal interests for the greater good of the region.

AVID stressed that releasing Kanu would be a significant step toward addressing the security challenges in the South-East. The group also appealed to civic leaders, including traditional rulers and the clergy, to step in if the governors fail to act, proposing that a delegation be formed to engage directly with the president.

The letter specifically called on Governor Alex Otti of Abia State to take the lead if other governors remain unresponsive, given that Kanu hails from Abia State. AVID expressed optimism that with decisive action from South-East leaders, Kanu’s release could be secured before December 25.