• His continued detention poses grave risks to his life -Ohanaeze

From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri and Uchenna Inya, Abakaliki

Founder of the Biafra Independent Movement (BIM), Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, has expressed anger over the continued court trial of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra  (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

This is as President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in  Canada, Chief Anicetus Nwizundu, urged the Federal Government to act swiftly and release him from custody before it is too late, warning that his continued detention poses grave risks to his life.

Uwazuruike in his Facebook handle said he had initially presumed Kanu’s fresh trial after his appeal court discharge was a modality to release him as it was in his own case when he was released after several years of detention.

“I want to say something about Nnamdi Kanu. I was expecting them to ask him to go but what I’m hearing is not what I want to hear. When I learnt they started his case afresh; a case already won in court of appeal, I came out publicly to ask what their mindset in starting afresh is all about.

“At first, I thought there was a discussion. I decided to keep quiet and watch. When they said no case submission, I didn’t know it would get to that because during my own case, they told me and my lawyers that how they will leave me is that they will go to court and say my mother is dead and so they should allow me to go and bury her.

“I thought it was the same with Kanu before they started a case already won in the Court of Appeal afresh; who does that? It’s laughable and incredible. They should have obeyed the Court of Appeal first. The embarrassment is on the Federal Government, when the whole world starts calling they would be forced to release him.

“I thought it was a modality to release him. I’m surprised that there was no discussion. Somebody facing terrorism charges, this is a political issue. It has nothing to do with judiciary.”

President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in  Canada, Chief Anicetus Nwizundu, highlighted grave concerns over Kanu’s  worsening health condition and the security situation in Igboland.

“We, the Igbo people living in  Canada, stand united in calling upon the Federal Government of Nigeria to intervene compassionately in this matter and facilitate the unconditional release of our brother, Nnamdi Kanu.

“It is emphasised that Nnamdi Kanu has been suffering from serious health complications during his detention. Multiple medical specialists, including cardiologists, have assessed his condition in hospital visits, confirming his severe ill-health.

“The Igbo do not seek trouble; they yearn for recognition, equality, and peace as Nigerians. Yet, they are treated as second-class citizens in their own country.

“Furthermore, the current security crisis plaguing Igboland is highlighted as alarming. There is no safety in Igboland today. One cannot travel without fear, nor sleep peacefully at night owing to insecurity pervasive across various parts of our land.”

He opined that Kanu’s release will  catalyze positive transformation,  peace and harmony in Igboland.

“With his release, we envision correction of many wrongs afflicting our homeland, paving the way for total peace,” he said