Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has reaffirmed her commitment to securing the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). She believes this step is essential for addressing the violence and insecurity plaguing the Southeast region.
Speaking during the 13th memorial anniversary of her late husband, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, held in Owerri on Tuesday, Ambassador Ojukwu expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu understands the significance of Kanu’s release. She emphasized that freeing Kanu would expose criminal elements exploiting his prolonged detention to perpetrate violence in the region.
Nnamdi: Unifying the Igbo Race
In her address, themed “Unifying the Igbo Race,” Ojukwu underscored the need for peace and unity among the Igbo people. She lamented the deterioration of safety in the Southeast, which has led to mass displacement and economic stagnation.
“Our people face existential threats, and we must act to restore peace,” she stated. “The release of Nnamdi Kanu is paramount to separating genuine freedom fighters from criminals causing mayhem in the Southeast.”
Ojukwu decried the violent activities, including kidnappings and the imposition of illegal “sit-at-home” orders, which she said have paralyzed the region’s economic activities and tarnished its reputation.
Addressing Regional Insecurity
Ojukwu highlighted the urgent need to reclaim the Southeast from the grip of insecurity. She painted a grim picture of the current state of affairs, stating:
“Communities are empty. Our illustrious sons and daughters have fled. Kidnappers now abduct their brothers for ransom. This is not what Dim Ojukwu fought for.”
She expressed deep regret that years after the passing of her husband, the Southeast has devolved into a region characterized by violence, contrary to the values of unity, self-determination, and peace for which he stood.
Nnamdi Kanu: Appeal to President Tinubu
Ambassador Ojukwu passionately appealed to President Tinubu to grant Kanu his freedom, asserting that doing so would reveal the true perpetrators of the violence.
“President Tinubu understands the importance of Kanu’s release. It will expose the masqueraders behind the violence and help restore order. I will do whatever it takes to ensure His Excellency grants this request,” she vowed.
She also criticized the violent enforcement of self-determination ideals, which she said contradict the Igbo people’s values of enterprise and kinship.
Call for Unity and Action
Ojukwu urged the Igbo people to unite and reclaim their land, working collectively to uphold the principles for which her late husband fought. She reaffirmed her dedication to ensuring that the Southeast returns to a state of peace, prosperity, and cultural pride.
“Ndigbo are enterprising and their brother’s keepers. We must reclaim our land and continue to propagate the ideals for which Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu stood,” she concluded.
Growing Calls for Kanu’s Release
Bianca Ojukwu’s remarks join the growing chorus of voices advocating for Nnamdi Kanu’s release. Many believe that addressing the root causes of insecurity and granting Kanu his freedom could serve as a starting point for restoring peace and unity in the Southeast.
