Abia youths, ex-PDP chieftain call for release of Nnamdi Kanu

From Okey Sampson, Umuahia

Youths of the Ibeku Kingdom, Abia State, the homestead of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, have called for his unconditional release.

The call comes as a former chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Charles Ogbonnaya, has also called for the IPOB leader’s release.

The youths said it was disheartening, as peace-loving and law-abiding citizens of Nigeria, that one of their own, Nnamdi Kanu, has long been detained in Abuja.

Equating Kanu’s role with that of the late Nelson Mandela, the youths said it was unfortunate that their brother’s only crime was that he was fighting for the liberation of his people.

“We need to remind our President, Ahmed Tinubu, that Messrs Sowore and Igboho, who were also charged with similar offences, have all been released by the Federal Government.”

The youths said that, in the spirit of fairness, the president should endeavour to extend the same gesture to their brother, Kanu. They said this would not only help to restore peace in the eastern part of Nigeria, but also strengthen their hope in one Nigeria.

“At this point, we urge all politicians not to politicise the detention of our dear brother, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, and objectively work towards his unconditional release from DSS detention.

Read also: S’East Senators meet AGF, begs Tinubu for Nnamdi Kanu’s release

“We use this medium to call on Governor Alex Otti, Col. Austin Akobundu (rtd) (Senator Representing Abia Central), and Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu (Deputy Speaker, Federal House of Representatives) to join the league of those who are sincerely working for the release of our brother, Kanu.”

Meanwhile, former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Abia State, Chief Ogbonnaya, has joined the bandwagon of those calling on the President to release Kanu from detention.

In appealing to President Tinubu to magnanimously release Kanu from detention, Ogbonnaya said that would serve as a sign of his genuine goodwill to Ndigbo.

“The unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu is another important action by Mr President that will assuage Igbo people and open up the economy of the entire South East,” the elder statesman added.

Also advocating for Nigeria’s return to the defunct 1963 Constitution, the former Commissioner sees that as the panacea for solving the current economic and political problems in the country.