In an emotional appeal that echoes with the call for unity and peace in the southeastern region of Nigeria, Jidechukwu Iwuanyanwu, the son of the late former President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has called on President Bola Tinubu to fulfill his father’s final wish—securing the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Jidechukwu’s plea, which was made public in a statement on Sunday, urges the federal government to heed the dying wish of his father, whose passion for peace and the welfare of the Igbo people was unwavering until his final days. This appeal comes after the senior Iwuanyanwu’s heartfelt efforts to visit Kanu in detention, a visit that he would make despite enduring considerable physical strain and suffering, as his son revealed in his statement.
A Final Visit and Unwavering Advocacy
The elder Iwuanyanwu, a revered figure in Igbo politics and culture, was known for his fervent advocacy for the rights and development of the Southeast region. His last public action, however, was a poignant one: a visit to the Department of State Services (DSS) facility in Abuja, where Kanu has been detained since his rearrest in 2021.
According to Jidechukwu, his father was determined to personally meet with Kanu, despite being forced to endure a long, taxing walk to the DSS facility. He recounted how his father remained unbowed in the face of physical discomfort, and spent quality time with the detained IPOB leader. This brief but emotional meeting marked a significant moment in the senior Iwuanyanwu’s life.
“It was a moment of reflection and resolution,” Jidechukwu shared. “My father, despite the difficulties he faced, was insistent on seeing Mazi Kanu. They shared a father-son bond that transcended the walls of the DSS facility.”
However, the toll of this journey proved too much for the elder Iwuanyanwu. After returning home from the visit, he began to feel the effects of his physical strain. Jidechukwu explained that his father complained of chest pains and was rushed to the hospital, where he remained until his passing.
Even as his health deteriorated in the hospital, the late Iwuanyanwu’s passion for Kanu’s release never waned. According to Jidechukwu, his father continued to advocate for Kanu’s freedom and the establishment of the South East Development Commission—two issues that were close to his heart.
“He fought for the release of Kanu even in the hospital. He wanted peace, prosperity, and unity for Ndi Igbo,” Jidechukwu added.
A Legacy of Peace and Advocacy
The elder Iwuanyanwu’s legacy, rooted in peace and service to his people, continues to resonate strongly within the Southeast region. His advocacy for the South East Development Commission, alongside his call for Kanu’s release, highlighted his commitment to the overall development of the region.
“My father was a man who loved his people, and his country. He was not just a leader for the Igbo, but a voice for the unity of Nigeria,” Jidechukwu noted. “I know that if he were alive today, he would be overjoyed to see one of his wishes come true—the release of Nnamdi Kanu.”
The younger Iwuanyanwu’s statement reflects a deep understanding of his father’s values and the underlying desire for peace in the region. He believes that the fulfillment of his father’s final request could bring much-needed calm to the South East, which has suffered from political instability and violent protests, including the frequent Monday sit-at-home orders enforced by IPOB in solidarity with Kanu.
“There are many people, both in the Southeast and across Nigeria, who believe that Nnamdi Kanu’s release would restore peace to the region. This is not just about my father’s wish, but the hope of many others who long for an end to the unrest,” he said.
Kanu’s Legal Battle and the Nation’s Tensions
Nnamdi Kanu’s detention has remained a point of contention in Nigerian politics since his rearrest and extradition from Kenya in 2021. The IPOB leader has faced a series of legal challenges following accusations of terrorism, incitement to violence, and the promotion of separatist sentiments. His arrest sparked widespread protests and unrest in the South East, leading to tensions between the federal government and various Igbo groups, including Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
The ongoing legal proceedings have also contributed to the public outcry for his release, particularly among those who see Kanu as a symbol of resistance to perceived marginalization of the Southeast. However, the federal government has maintained its stance on keeping Kanu in detention, citing national security concerns.
With Kanu’s appearance in court today, the timing of Jidechukwu’s appeal adds an emotional layer to the already heated debate surrounding the IPOB leader’s future. For many, the situation represents a critical juncture in the search for lasting peace in the region.
The Role of the Federal Government
The Nigerian federal government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, now faces growing calls to act on Kanu’s case. Jidechukwu’s plea represents just one of many voices urging the government to move towards a resolution. His father’s legacy—marked by his focus on peace, development, and the well-being of his people—compels the younger Iwuanyanwu to request that President Tinubu consider releasing Kanu as a means to stabilize the Southeast.
“I urge the federal government not to let my father’s death be in vain,” Jidechukwu emphasized. “This is a call for peace, for healing, and for the betterment of all Nigerians. Let Nnamdi Kanu go, and let it be the first step towards the unity and development my father always dreamed of for the Igbo and the entire country.”
