Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has announced that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to freeing the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Speaking at the 13th memorial anniversary of the late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu in Owerri on Tuesday, Ambassador Ojukwu described Kanu’s release as a crucial step toward restoring peace and order in the Southeast.
“President Tinubu understands the significance of releasing Nnamdi Kanu. This action will expose the criminal elements that have been using IPOB as a cover for their violent activities. I am resolved to do everything possible to support this cause,” she declared.
She further elaborated that releasing Kanu would create a clear distinction between genuine advocates for self-determination and those who are exploiting the situation to create insecurity. Ojukwu called on the Ndigbo to reclaim their reputation as a peace-loving and industrious people.
“The Igbo are not known for harming their own. Releasing Kanu is essential to differentiate true freedom fighters from those who misuse IPOB’s name to create chaos,” she emphasized. “Our people are facing significant threats, and now is the time for collective action to restore peace and prosperity to the Southeast.”
Ojukwu also condemned the frequent “sit-at-home” orders imposed by violent factions in the region, labeling them counterproductive to the ideals of self-determination and detrimental to economic growth.
“Ndigbo are enterprising and resilient. We must take back our region and uphold the values that Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu stood for,” she added.
Nnamdi Kanu has been in custody since June 2015, following his arrest by the Department of State Services (DSS) in Lagos. He faces charges of treason, terrorism, and other offenses. Despite being granted bail multiple times, Kanu remains detained.
This announcement represents a significant shift in addressing the enduring security and political challenges faced in the Southeast..
