The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has issued an appeal to President Bola Tinubu, requesting the withdrawal of all charges against Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
This appeal follows the recent release of Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, a prominent Yoruba Nation activist, from Beninese prisons.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Ohanaeze, represented by its Secretary General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, praised President Patrice Talon of the Benin Republic for the successful release of Sunday Igboho, which came about through the intervention of Yoruba leaders and political figures. Ohanaeze now encourages Bola Tinubu to take a similar course of action.
The statement from Ohanaeze reads, “Ohanaeze Ndigbo expresses its heartfelt appreciation for the unwavering contributions of Yoruba leaders such as former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Prof. Banji Akintoye, Prof. Wole Soyinka, and Pa Ayo Adebanjo towards the release of Sunday Igboho.”
“The organisation recalls its October 1, 2023 Independence Day plea for the release of both Nnamdi Kanu and Sunday Igboho.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo believes that this is an opportune time for President Bola Tinubu to demonstrate similar gestures and drop all charges against Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, allowing him to regain his freedom.”
The group emphasised that Kanu’s release would be a significant step towards peace restoration in the South-East, addressing the existing security concerns. Ohanaeze also appealed to all Biafran factions to halt their disputes and cease aggressive media confrontations with the Federal Government.
They urged Igbo leaders to concentrate on actions that would benefit the region’s progress and welfare.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo firmly believes that President Tinubu will be hailed as a national hero if he seizes this opportunity to release Nnamdi Kanu.
“The organization acknowledges that Nigerians who felt denigrated by Kanu’s actions should find it in their hearts to forgive him, as his release will mark a significant step towards national unity and reconciliation.
“We express our gratitude to President Talon, Yoruba leaders, and political figures for their efforts in securing Sunday Igboho’s release. The organisation remains hopeful that President Tinubu will embrace this historic opportunity and contribute to the restoration of peace and harmony in Nigeria,” it added
