Follow Us on Google
From Godwin Tsa Abuja
A former Attorney General of Imo State, Chukwuma-Machukwu Ume (SAN) has joined calls for the political release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi to facilitate his freedom as part of efforts to restore peace in the South -East.
Ume, who also doubles as Rapporteur, Victims of Persecution, noted that the early release of Nnamdi Kanu by President Bola Tinubu will not be a sign of weakness, but a demonstration of political wisdom and statesmanship.
He made the appeal in an open letter to President Bola Tinubu.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria who drew the attention of the president to Kanu’s travails dating back to October 14, 2015, when he was arrested by operatives of the Department of Security Service (DSS) over some terrorism-related allegations to when he was arraigned in court on October 23, 2015, lamented that the IPOB leader is fast becoming a prisoner of conscience.
He said releasing Kanu would not only de-escalate tensions in the South -East, but it also presents an opportunity to turn a new page in the nation’s history -one that prioritises peace, justice and the collective well-being of all citizens.
Already, the letter dated February 24, 2025, has been received by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi on behalf of the President.
The letter further drew the attention of president Tinubu to similar agitations in other parts of the country, notably in the South West and Niger Delta, where the government has exercised discretion to de-escalate tensions and promote dialogue.
Ume referenced the cases of Sunday Igboho, the Oduduwa nation activist, and Abdullahi Bello Dadejo who had the charges against them withdrawn.
He also mentioned the case of the Niger Delta where the government has overtime adopted programmes to address long-standing grievances, rather that incarceration of key figures.
“Great leaders are not defined by their ability to suppress opposition, but their ability to unify, heal, and reconcile. The release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu will not be a sign of weakness, but a demonstration of political wisdom and statesmanship,” he said.
