As President Bola Tinubu prepares for his official visit to Enugu, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, a prominent socio-cultural group representing the Igbo community, has urged the president to release Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), as a way of cementing his legacy in Nigerian history.
In a statement issued on Friday, Nze Ozichukwu Fidelis Chukwu, the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, emphasized that a decision to release Kanu would be seen as a powerful gesture of reconciliation and would forever secure President Tinubu’s place in the hearts of the Igbo people.
The call, which came ahead of Tinubu’s much-anticipated visit to the South-East, marks a pivotal moment in the relationship between the Igbo community and the federal government. Ohanaeze Ndigbo has long advocated for the release of Kanu, who has been incarcerated under controversial circumstances, fueling ongoing tensions and unrest within the region.
Nze Chukwu was speaking at a welcoming event for President Tinubu in Enugu, where he highlighted the importance of the president’s actions in shaping future relations with the South-East. He pointed out that such a move would “write his name in gold,” a phrase commonly used to refer to an act that would earn eternal respect and gratitude from a community.
“President Tinubu has the unique opportunity to write his name in gold in the hearts of Ndigbo and indeed all well-meaning Nigerians. If he orders the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, it would not only change the political narrative but also solidify his legacy as a leader who listened to the cries of the people,” said Chukwu.
The leader of Ohanaeze Ndigbo also praised what he described as a positive shift in the federal government’s approach toward the South-East under President Tinubu’s administration. Chukwu acknowledged that the President’s visit to the region, and his actions in recent months, indicated a change in attitude toward fostering unity among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups.
“Under President Tinubu, there is a noticeable attitudinal change towards Ndigbo,” Chukwu remarked. “This shift offers hope for a future where the Igbo community can be fully integrated into the national conversation, especially in the areas of political participation, economic development, and national unity.”
This bold appeal from Ohanaeze comes at a time of heightened expectations for Tinubu’s government, particularly concerning its policies toward the South-East. Many have viewed the administration’s handling of IPOB and the Biafra issue as a critical test of its commitment to national reconciliation.
For years, the issue of Nnamdi Kanu’s detention has been a thorn in the side of federal-state relations, especially in the South-East. Kanu, who has been a vocal advocate for the secession of Biafra, was arrested and extradited to Nigeria in 2021, a move that sparked widespread protests and legal battles. His incarceration remains a point of contention, with many calling for his release as a sign of goodwill and a step toward healing the wounds of Nigeria’s fractured history.
According to Alex Ogbonnia, Ohanaeze’s spokesman, the group hopes that the visit to Enugu will mark the beginning of a new chapter in the federal government’s relationship with the Igbo community. The call for Kanu’s release is seen as an olive branch, signaling that President Tinubu is willing to make bold moves for peace and progress in the country.
“President Tinubu’s visit to Enugu is an important moment. If he takes the decisive step to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, it will not only have a profound impact on the South-East but will also demonstrate to the world that Nigeria is ready to move beyond its past divisions,” Ogbonnia stated.
The Ohanaeze statement also extended praise to the leadership in the South-East for the ongoing infrastructural developments taking place in Enugu State, led by Governor Peter Mbah. Ohanaeze commended the governor for spearheading a wave of innovations, including the construction of Enugu’s International Conference Centre, the establishment of smart schools, and the development of critical infrastructure like roads and hospitals. These efforts, according to Ohanaeze, are a testament to the region’s potential for growth when given the proper attention.
“Governor Mbah’s achievements are a reflection of the kind of leadership we need in the South-East. His transformative projects are setting a high standard for governance and development,” Chukwu remarked.
In a related development, Ohanaeze Ndigbo also acknowledged the leadership of Senator Hope Uzodimma, Governor of Imo State and Chairman of the South-East Governors Forum. The group commended Uzodimma for facilitating the installation of night landing equipment at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri, a move they described as crucial for improving the region’s air transport infrastructure.
As President Tinubu prepares to engage with the people of Enugu, the calls for Nnamdi Kanu’s release are likely to echo throughout his visit. Many within the South-East believe that the resolution of this issue will pave the way for broader cooperation between the federal government and the Igbo community, while others see it as a litmus test for the president’s commitment to justice and unity.
The spotlight is now on President Tinubu to make a historic decision that could change the trajectory of Nigeria’s political landscape. For the Igbo community, the release of Nnamdi Kanu would not just be a political victory but a symbolic gesture of reconciliation, one that could bridge the gap between the federal government and a region that has long felt marginalized.
