Biafra: Optimism, indifference as Igbo leaders react to Nnamdi Kanu’s imminent release

The news of Nnamdi Kanu’s imminent release from detention has elicited mixed reactions from Igbo leaders and various groups, with a blend of optimism and indifference marking the response.

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, had a fortnight ago, announced that President Bola Tinubu was set to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

The announcement was made during the 13th memorial anniversary of the late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu in Owerri.

“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 assured.

The Minister’s assertion was supported by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu who confirmed that strong efforts were being made to secure Kanu’s release.

Kalu revealed this on Thursday in Abuja while meeting with the South East Legislators Forum made up of lawmakers of the State Houses of Assembly from the South East region who paid him a courtesy visit.

He said: “I am fighting for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to come out. Very soon, it will happen. Please, keep us in your prayers.”

For some, Amb. Ojukwu and Kalu’s announcement represents a long-awaited victory for the Biafra cause, as Kanu’s freedom is seen as a critical step in addressing the socio-economic grievances and security challenges plaguing the South East region for several years.

Many leaders, who spoke , expressed hope that his release could pave the way for greater dialogue and possibly a resolution to the tensions surrounding the push for Biafra’s independence, which Kanu has strongly championed.

However, not all reactions have been positive.

Some leaders and groups have maintained a more indifferent stance and scepticism as this is not the first time such news has been circulated.

Good optimism – Uwazurike

Former President of an Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Aka Ikenga, Chief Goddy Uwazurike, said the minister should be given the benefit of the doubt as her words carry weight.

He said: “We should bank on her words because this is the minister who has spoken. The words of a minister carry weight and I’m sure before she made that statement, she must have known the nature of the man who’s the president.

“There’s nothing to doubt in what she said and I agree with her because Tínubu is a politician. Buhari was not a politician but a dictator to the core.

“For Tinubu, winning people over is the hallmark of all politicians.

“Dealing with people is the hallmark of dictators. So we expect that what the minister said about Nnamdi Kanu comes to pass and we trust her and we thank her for that.

“This is the right step in the right direction, a very good optimism for people who are looking for inspiration. So we need this kind of statement and we believe she means every word of it.”

Nothing to celebrate – Okorie, others

But for the Founder and Chairman, Board of Trustees of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Chief Chekwas Okorie, there’s nothing to celebrate about the news as Mrs Ojukwu merely expressed an expectation.

“I think she simply expressed an optimism, more or less, an expectation that the president will be kind enough to release Nnamdi Kanu and that’s in line with what many of us have said over the period Nnamdi Kanu has been unjustly in detention but I don’t think anybody should be overtly excited about her saying that”, Okorie told our correspondent.

“The president has his channel of communicating with the public and her office is not one of such channels.

“We know that the president has not really at this point, responded to so many appeals including the appeals made to him by South East governors and some of us who are elders from the region including the Ohanaeze Ndigbo and many Igbo leaders, some of whom have even passed away the likes of Chief Mbazulike Amaechi, Dr. Ikedife, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu and many others.

“Many of us, including myself, have made the front pages of major newspapers sending similar appeals right from the time of Buhari to this present time.

“I see Amb. Bianca Ojukwu’s comment as expressing similar sentiments that all of us have expressed. So there’s nothing to celebrate about that.”

Long overdue – Asuzu

Also reacting, the Convener of Ikoro Ndigbo, Ugochimereze Chinedu Asuzu, said: “While we appreciate the president’s willingness to consider Kanu’s release, it is essential to acknowledge that this move is long overdue.

“The courts have repeatedly ruled in favour of the detained IPOB leader, but the previous government failed to comply with these judgments.

“Kanu’s continued incarceration has contributed to the southeast region’s instability, with insecurity and heinous crimes reaching alarming levels.

“Releasing Kanu would significantly alleviate the region’s troubles, distinguishing genuine freedom fighters from hoodlums who exploit the movement for personal gain.

“We eagerly await President Tinubu’s decision, particularly given Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu’s reputation for thoughtful and deliberate speech.

“As a respected diplomat and stateswoman, her words carry significant weight.

“Indeed, releasing Nnamdi Kanu is not only a matter of justice but also a crucial step towards restoring peace and stability in the southeast region. We hope that President Tinubu will take this essential step towards healing and reconciliation.”

High expectations – Igboayaka

Contributing, the National President General of Ohanaeze Youth Council, Comrade Igboayaka O. Igboayaka, said: “We have high expectations to witness its implementation, having heard this repeatedly, even over four months ago when South East governors made a similar statement.

“Matters concerning Ndigbo often assume different proportions. There was no concerted effort to secure the release of Sunday Igboho, Omoyele Sowere, or even the leader of Miyetti Allah, who gained freedom without much ado.

“It’s apparent that being an Igbo man in Nigeria can be perceived as a challenge. It’s easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for an Igbo man to thrive in Nigeria.”