Groups Intensify Demands for Kanu’s Release as Tinubu Keeps Mum on IPOB Leader’s Fate

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

Groups have expressed worry over the ominous silence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on heeding the call for the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

Tinubu has painted a picture of indifferent disposition to the persistent demands on him to intervene and use political solution to resolve the lingering impasse surrounding Kanu’s detention.

In separate statements made available to the media Tuesday, both the American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID) and a pan-Nigerian Youth organisation, the 372 Youth Empowerment Network renewed their calls on Mr. President to free the IPOB leader.

AVID, in a statement signed by its President, Dr. Sylvester Onyia, and Vice-president, Prince Joe Nduka said that Kanu’s continued detention is an Injustice, adding that “injustice to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is injustice to all”.

The group noted that the intention of former President Muhammadu Buhari to kill off separatist agitation by clamping Kanu into detention and putting him on trial has failed hence the need for Tinubu take a conciliatory approach.

“His (Kanu) popularity has multiplied over the past years, as has his unshakeable stand on our collective conviction as a people. His nonviolent approach makes him more likeable,” AVID said.

The group stated that Kanu’s struggles and the obvious injustice being meted to him the Nigeria authorities has won him admirers and disciples across the nation.

According to AVID, “Mazi Nnamdi Kanu remains a brother, son, and father to many Igbos and non-Igbos who have associated with him and seen his positive vision for everyone”.

The veterans appealed to Tinubu to release the IPOB leader without further delay, saying that “the reason Kanu must be released immediately and unconditionally now rather than later is to distinguish between apples and oranges”.

“We believe that if Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is freed today crimes will go down up to 95%, whoever questions this may be discreetly supporting and sponsoring insecurity in Southeast and blaming it on Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,” the group said.

It stated that those opposing Kanu’s release “are simply making money with his infamous and illegal detention”, adding that “AVID as a body maintains that there is more to gain than to lose when he gets freed”.

AVID faulted Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, for deviating from his  previous position that releasing Mazi Nnamdi Kanu would reduce crime in the Southeast.

It reminded Soludo that nothing has changed hence his initial stance remains valid hence  “while we still believe in his initial position, we strongly disagree with him now” for recanting.

AVID argued that if the new position of 4he Anambra governor is that Kanu’s release will not reduce crime in the southeast, “it means that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is not the cause of insecurity in the Southeast”.

On its part, the 372 Youth Empowerment Network, which describes itself as a pan-Nigerian youth organisation sent out a passionate appeal to Tinubu, urging him to free Kanu on compassionate grounds.

It’s appeal for immediate release of Kanu was contained in a release signed by Mohammed Saidu, President, Toyin Deinde Komolafe, National Secretary; Chidi Nwogwugwu, National Coordinator, and Danjuma Abubakar Umar, Coordinator North East.

“The 372- Youth Empowerment Network believes that the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu will be a political master stroke to bring about lasting peace within the south eastern states of Nigeria and its environs,” the group said.

The youth network explained that the call for Kanu’s release “is based on our strong conviction that we must begin to heal the wounds of the past, forgive one another and jointly advance the cause of a strong, indivisible and united country called Nigeria”.

It acknowledged: “Mistakes may have been made, but it is time to move forward in the spirit of forgiveness, brotherhood, reconciliation and national healing”.

“This is the time in the history of our nation that we need all hands to be on deck to save our dear country from the vagaries of war, criminalities, sectionalism tribalism, religious bigotry, division and other vices inimical to the growth and sustainable peace of Nigeria.

“We appeal to Mr. President to please deploy the instrumentality of his highly exalted office, as the father of the nation to immediately order the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from detention to demonstrate his widely acclaimed democratic credentials and love for Ndigbo in particular”.