The family of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has made an emotional appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to facilitate Kanu’s release as a tribute to the late President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu. The family believes this would be a fitting way to honour the late Igbo leader, who passed away in July and will rest on November 2nd, 2024.
In a statement delivered by Prince Emmanuel Kanu, the family stressed that securing Kanu’s freedom now presents an opportunity for political resolution following Justice Binta Nyako’s recent recusal from the case. They argued that her withdrawal creates the perfect moment for dialogue and resolution, which could pave the way for Kanu’s release.
The Kanu family pointed to President Tinubu’s previous intervention in the case of Yoruba separatist leader Sunday Igboho, urging him to apply the same fairness and justice to Kanu.
“Our candid view on the 24th of September court proceedings is that both Binta Nyako and Morgaji Bichi acted as obstacles, not only undermining Nigeria with their rigid stances but also creating significant embarrassment for the current administration that inherited these issues,” the family noted.
They added that opposition to Kanu’s release sends a message to the international community that the Nigerian government cannot handle such issues effectively. The family also implored the governors of South-East Nigeria and regional leaders to unite in pushing for Kanu’s freedom, criticizing their lack of action thus far.ll
Prince Emmanuel Kanu emphasized the need for a collective approach, urging the governors to follow the example of other regions that successfully secured the freedom of their freedom fighters. Explicitly addressing the chairman of the South-East Governors’ Forum, Governor Hope Uzodinma, Kanu called for decisive leadership in rallying support for Kanu’s release.
“Governor Hope Uzodinma, you’re the chairman of the SE Governors Forum and, by extension, the political rallying point of the South-East political leaders. Therefore, what is stopping you from showing leadership and leading from the front to release your brother?”
The Kanu family also called on traditional and religious leaders to create an atmosphere conducive to dialogue among South-East stakeholders. They urged a united approach in demanding Kanu’s release from President Tinubu.
Additionally, the family expressed disappointment with the perceived marginalization of the Igbo people within Nigeria’s political and economic framework. They criticized the continued exclusion of the Igbo despite their contributions to the nation’s economy and called for fully implementing the post-Civil War “Three Rs”—Rehabilitation, Reintegration, and Restoration—to address lingering grievances.
“There can never be progress and prosperity when one of the tripods of which Nigeria is built upon is intentionally marginalized and discriminated against,” the family noted.
Clarifying Nnamdi Kanu’s motivations, the family emphasized that his activism was never for personal gain or political office but driven by a deep desire to address the marginalization of the Igbo people and ensure development in Biafra land. They also called on Nigeria’s security agencies to view Kanu as a potential partner in restoring peace and security in the South-East region, stating that his release would be a step toward unity and stability.
The family concluded by acknowledging that while Kanu may have offended some with his rhetoric, he is committed to the welfare of his people and does not harbour hatred. His primary focus, they reiterated, is the development and security of Biafra land.
