The United Igbo Elders Council Worldwide (UNIEC) has fervently appealed to President Bola Tinubu to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), from detention. The council contends that Kanu’s continued incarceration fuels insecurity and economic stagnation in the South-East region, impacting Nigeria as a whole. They believe his release would be a landmark achievement for Tinubu, solidifying his legacy as a leader attentive to the Igbo people’s concerns and a harbinger of peace and stability in the region. A delegation of UNIEC members, led by Director General Justice Alpha Ikpeama, recently visited Kanu at the Department of State Services (DSS) detention center in Abuja, reaffirming their commitment to securing his freedom.
UNIEC emphasizes the detrimental economic consequences of Kanu’s detention, highlighting the substantial losses suffered by the Igbo people and the ripple effect on the national economy. They urge President Tinubu to act swiftly and decisively, preventing further damage and demonstrating his commitment to national unity and prosperity. The council draws a parallel with former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, which, despite numerous appeals from prominent figures, failed to release Kanu. They warn Tinubu against repeating this mistake, stressing the urgent need for a different approach to address the situation in the South-East.
The Igbo elders recounted a series of pleas made to former President Buhari for Kanu’s release, all of which were ignored. Among those who appealed were late elder statesman and First Republic Aviation Minister Chief Mbazulike Amechi, who even requested Kanu’s release as a birthday gift shortly before his passing. Other prominent Nigerians, including Chief Edwin Clark, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Chief George Obiozor, and Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife, also advocated for Kanu’s freedom, but their calls went unheeded. The UNIEC underscores the significance of learning from past oversights and taking decisive action to foster peace and reconciliation.
The UNIEC delegation’s visit to Kanu confirmed his resilience and high spirits, further strengthening their resolve to secure his release. They describe the visit as positive and encouraging, reinforcing their belief in Kanu’s unwavering commitment to his cause. The council reiterated its call for immediate, unconditional release, rehabilitation, and compensation for Kanu, emphasizing that these steps are crucial for achieving lasting peace and stability in the South-East and the entire nation. They believe that Tinubu’s intervention in this matter holds the potential to bring about a significant positive shift in the region.
The council emphasizes its non-partisan nature and dedication to the well-being of the Igbo people within a unified Nigeria. They believe that Kanu’s release is not just a matter of justice for an individual but a vital step towards healing the deep-seated divisions that have plagued the region for decades. They see it as an opportunity for the government to demonstrate its commitment to inclusive governance and address the root causes of the unrest in the South-East.
In their appeal to President Tinubu, UNIEC underscores that Kanu’s release is not simply a regional issue but a matter of national importance. They argue that the continued instability in the South-East undermines Nigeria’s overall progress and hinders its potential for economic growth and development. By releasing Kanu, Tinubu, they believe, can usher in an era of peace and reconciliation, setting the stage for a more prosperous and united Nigeria. They urge the President to seize this opportunity to make a lasting and positive impact on the nation’s trajectory.
