Former spokesman for the APC Presidential Campaign in the Southeast, Denge Josef Onoh, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to release the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, into the custody of Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu and Senator John Azuta-Mbata as part of a political solution to peace in the Southeast.
Onoh, in a statement on Friday, said his plea was anchored on the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasizes inclusive governance and conflict resolution. He argued that Kanu’s prolonged detention since his extraordinary rendition from Kenya in 2021 had worsened insecurity in the region.
“The prolonged detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has not only exacerbated insecurity but has also allowed opportunistic criminals to masquerade as separatists, fueling violence, economic sabotage, and the displacement of our people,” Onoh said.
He commended Tinubu for the administration’s diplomatic efforts in tackling criminality linked to IPOB and ESN, particularly under the leadership of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu. According to him, the release of Kanu would “de-escalate tensions, unmask genuine agitators from bandits, and restore investor confidence in the Southeast.”
Onoh stressed that recent appeals from respected voices such as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Azuta-Mbata, underscored the urgency. He noted:
“His freedom would swiftly improve security and enable medical attention for his deteriorating health.”
He therefore urged Tinubu to exercise his constitutional powers of prerogative of mercy, with conditions.
“I respectfully urge Mr President to release Mazi Kanu unconditionally—but with a deliberate handover into the personal custody of Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu and Senator John Azuta-Mbata. This approach would transform a potentially divisive act into a unifying gesture.”
Explaining his nomination, Onoh said his choice of the two was based on their integrity, commitment to Igbo heritage, and non-partisan roles. He dismissed most Southeast politicians as self-serving, claiming they would exploit Kanu’s release for electoral advantage ahead of 2027.
“Firstly, my choice for Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu isn’t based on family ties, but as the widow of Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, she embodies the moral authority and diplomatic finesse needed to guide Mazi Kanu toward constructive dialogue. Her role as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs positions her uniquely to bridge federal and regional divides,” he said.
Onoh added that Bianca has consistently argued that Kanu’s freedom would “separate genuine freedom fighters from those causing mayhem and reclaim Igboland from existential threats.”
On Senator Mbata, Onoh stated:
“As President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator Mbata represents the authentic voice of Ndigbo. His appeals for Kanu’s release have been framed as essential for medical treatment and a political solution. Unlike partisan actors, Senator Mbata’s role transcends electoral cycles.”
He emphasized that entrusting Kanu to the duo would ensure his release was not politicized.
“Their lack of active partisanship, Bianca as a federal appointee and Mbata as a cultural apex leader, makes them ideal to enforce conditions like renouncing violence, engaging in dialogue, and supporting your administration’s peace initiatives,” he said.
Onoh further proposed that each Southeast governor should nominate their council of traditional rulers, led by the Obi of Onitsha, to sign undertakings with the NSA and security agencies as part of the peace framework.
“Mr. President, the time for bold, compassionate leadership is now. Releasing Mazi Kanu under these safeguards would not only quench the fires of agitation but also fortify the Renewed Hope agenda, proving that Nigeria’s unity thrives on justice, not coercion,” Onoh concluded.
I sincerely stand with the appeal for release of mazi Nnamdi kanu by Hon Onoh. This will form one of the most intelligent decisions made by president Bola Ahmed Tinubu to pusure a lasting peace in the southeast of Nigeria. The conditions suggested about to whom to hand him over to, is an excellent suggestion. Hon Bianca, is a symbol of Igbohood and a special mother of Ndigbo. Let Mr president consider accepting this wise counsel from Hon Onoh and release MNK.for what Mr President stands for.