From Magnus Eze, Enugu
Ahead the Supreme Court sitting on Friday, over the Federal Government’s appeal against discharge of leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu by the Court of Appeal, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to direct the release of the self-determination activist.
President General of the apex Igbo body, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu in an open letter told the president that Kanu’s freedom would usher in peace in the South East and curb the ongoing terrorism in parts of the region.
He said that the Igbo world over and other well-meaning Nigerians including leaders of various regions, were in support of Kanu’s release.
The Igbo leader assured the President that the IPOB leader’s freedom was neither a threat to democracy nor the corporate existence of Nigeria.
Part of the letter read: “Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s case is well known to all Igbos and Nigerians. It is the belief of many that the release of Nnamdi Kanu does not constitute any threat to our democracy or social cohesion and peace.
“Besides, a Nigerian Court has passed a judgement directing that Nnamdi Kanu should be released. Many Nigerians from the 36 States and Abuja have also made appeal for his release.
“As the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and the Leader of Igbos worldwide, I brought this matter up to a joint meeting of South South, South West, South East and Middle-Belt of Nigeria and they unanimously endorsed that Nnamdi Kanu should be released. “I hereby make a passionate appeal to our President, Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu to assist to procure the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. This will be a highly prized Christmas Gift to the Igbos of Nigeria and all other Nigerians who are committed to a peaceful and secure country. The incarceration of Kanu has created unnecessary excuse for terrorism in a region which has hitherto lived in peace and pursued their occupation wherever they are with patriotic zeal.
“We recollect with sadness that this region was a theatre of war. The war claimed the lives of many Nigerians. In addition, businesses and properties were completely destroyed. In 1970 when the war ended, the Igbos returned completely impoverished.
“I warn that all parties should avoid anything that could once again make Igboland a theatre of war. I further advocate that in addition to the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the Federal government should adopt a non-kinetic approach to the security problem in the South East.
“I, in collaboration with the Governors and other Leaders in the South East of Nigeria call for amnesty to those who at the moment are expressing all forms of agitation in the South East; and that they will be given opportunity to earn a dignified livelihood.”