Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu has vowed to take every possible step to ensure the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Ojukwu, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, made this statement during the 13th memorial anniversary of Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.
The event, held in Owerri on Tuesday, centered around the theme, “Unifying the Igbo Race.”
Speaking passionately, Ojukwu described Kanu’s release as a crucial step towards peace and stability in the South-East region.
“The release of Nnamdi Kanu is paramount to separating genuine freedom fighters from criminals causing mayhem in the South-East,” she said.
She emphasized that Kanu’s continued detention had been exploited by criminals as a cover for their violent activities in the region.
Ojukwu urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene, arguing that freeing Kanu would expose the perpetrators behind the insecurity plaguing the area.
She added, “President Tinubu understands the importance of Kanu’s release. It will expose the masqueraders behind the violence and help restore order. I will do whatever it takes to ensure His Excellency grants this request.”
South-East In Crisis
The South-East has been gripped by violence, with kidnappings, killings, and the imposition of violent “sit-at-home” orders.
Ambassador Ojukwu lamented the decline in safety and economic activity, which has left many communities deserted.
“Communities are empty. Our illustrious sons and daughters have fled. Kidnappers now abduct their brothers for ransom,” she said.
“This is not what Dim Ojukwu fought for.”
The former Biafran leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, is remembered as a symbol of self-determination and Igbo unity.
Ojukwu called on the Igbo people to reclaim their identity and stand against the forces tearing their communities apart.
Sit-at-Home Orders Criticized
The ambassador also criticized the violent enforcement of sit-at-home orders in the region.
She said these orders contradict the ideals of self-determination and have worsened the economic hardship faced by people in the South-East.
“Ndigbo are enterprising and their brother’s keepers. We must reclaim our land and continue to propagate the ideals for which Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu stood,” she stated.
Ojukwu urged collective action to address the insecurity and restore normalcy.
Calls for Unity
The theme of the memorial event, “Unifying the Igbo Race,” underscored the importance of solidarity among the Igbo people.
Ojukwu stressed that unity is essential to overcome the existential threats facing the region.
“Our people face existential threats, and we must act to restore peace,” she said.
She urged Igbo leaders to prioritize dialogue and collaboration to achieve lasting peace.
A Direct Appeal to President Tinubu
Ambassador Ojukwu expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s ability to address the South-East crisis.
She appealed directly to the president to prioritize Kanu’s release, describing it as a necessary step toward national reconciliation.
“Kanu’s release will not only restore hope but also expose the true criminals hiding behind the chaos,” she said.
She called on the president to act swiftly, as the region’s security situation continues to deteriorate.
Background on Nnamdi Kanu
Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of IPOB, has been in detention since 2021.
He faces charges of treasonable felony, which he denies, claiming his agitation is for the self-determination of the Igbo people.
Kanu’s detention has remained a polarizing issue, with his supporters demanding his unconditional release.
Critics argue that his rhetoric has fueled unrest in the South-East, but his supporters blame criminal elements for the violence.
