The Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has once again voiced its call to release Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). This renewed appeal coincides with President Bola Tinubu’s scheduled visit to Enugu State to commission several infrastructural projects executed under the administration of Governor Peter Mbah. Ohanaeze expressed optimism that this presidential visit could mark a pivotal moment for justice and reconciliation in the country, particularly concerning the long-standing grievances of the Igbo people.
Nnamdi Kanu has been in detention since June 2021 after his controversial repatriation from Kenya under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. Facing Terrorism charges at the Federal High Court in Abuja, Kanu’s legal battle has been a point of national contention. His arrest in 2015 and continued detention, despite the October 2022 Court of Appeal judgment that declared his extradition illegal and ordered his release, has fueled tensions in the South East. However, the federal government, citing Security concerns and the possibility of Kanu evading trial, resisted his release, opting to appeal the ruling instead.
Increasing hope surrounding the president’s visit to Enugu.
In December 2023, the Supreme Court overturned the lower court’s decision and ordered the continuation of his trial. Ohanaeze has expressed cautious optimism regarding President Tinubu’s approach to issues concerning the South-East. The group lauded the President’s recent appointments, such as Emmanuel Ogalla as Chief of Naval Staff and David Umahi as Minister for Works, interpreting them as signs of a more inclusive federal posture. Furthermore, the inauguration of the South-East Economic Commission has been seen as a positive step toward addressing the region’s developmental challenges.
However, they believe that Tinubu’s visit to Enugu presents a strategic opportunity to demonstrate fairness and national unity by releasing Kanu, further easing regional tensions. The continued detention of Kanu has long symbolised the strained relationship between the government and the Igbo people. IPOB, under Kanu’s leadership, has championed the call for an independent state of Biafra, citing historical injustices and marginalisation. The agitation is rooted in Nigeria’s civil war history from 1967 to 1970, when the South-East region sought secession under the Republic of Biafra, leading to a devastating conflict.
Kanu’s release could ease tensions and promote unity.
Though the war ended over five decades ago, many Igbos still feel economically and politically sidelined. His detention has led to various protests and heightened Insecurity across the Southeast, with IPOB supporters often engaging in confrontations with security forces. Ohanaeze and other prominent Igbo leaders have persistently called for his release, emphasising that prolonged political detentions cannot achieve national unity and security. The socio-cultural group argues that reconciliation requires equity, justice, and the resolution of historical grievances.
Releasing Nnamdi Kanu could serve as a powerful symbolic gesture of national reconciliation. For President Tinubu, it would signal a departure from his predecessor’s hardline approach and a commitment to dialogue over repression. Such a move could also reduce the ongoing unrest in the South East, creating a more favourable environment for economic activities and regional stability. Furthermore, it would align with Tinubu’s agenda of promoting national cohesion through inclusive governance. Historically, the marginalisation of the Southeast has manifested in political underrepresentation, economic neglect, and infrastructural deficits, which have fueled separatist sentiments, making the region a hotbed for agitations.
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As the President visit the state, the Igbo socio-cultural organisation remains committed to peaceful advocacy, emphasising that genuine national progress is achievable only through fairness and justice. As history has shown, unresolved grievances often evolve into long-term national crises. Therefore, Kanu’s release could mark a significant step towards resolving the South-East question and advancing the nation’s collective national development. Ultimately, the Enugu visit offers President Tinubu an opportunity to take a decisive step toward healing historical wounds and promoting a more inclusive Nigeria.