WAHALA! Pressure On Igbo Governors As They’re Accused Of Ignoring Tinubu’s Offer To Discuss Biafran Leader’s Release
The family of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has criticized governors of the Southeast region for their perceived lack of effort in securing his release. They accused the governors of failing to take decisive action, despite having opportunities to engage with the presidency on the matter.
Speaking during a memorial event in Umuahia held in honor of their late parents— His Royal Majesty Eze Israel Kanu and Ugoeze Sally Kanu— Prince Emmanuel Kanu expressed frustration over the continued detention of his brother. He insisted that the governors have not shown genuine commitment to Kanu’ s cause, suggesting either negligence or ulterior motives behind their inaction.
Governors Ignoring Presidential Offer To Discuss Kanu’ s Case
Prince Emmanuel revealed that credible sources had informed the family that President Bola Tinubu had requested a formal engagement with the Southeast governors regarding Kanu’ s detention. However, he noted that none of them had taken steps to meet this condition, raising questions about their sincerity.
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” It is deeply concerning that the governors have failed to meet with the President despite being given a clear path to seek Nnamdi Kanu’ s release. If they were genuinely committed, they would have engaged with the presidency long ago. Instead, they have remained silent and inactive. Are they complicit in the unrest in the Southeast, or are they benefiting from the crisis? ” he asked.
He further argued that the release of Kanu would immediately reduce tensions in the region, eliminating the excuse used by criminal elements who claim to be fighting for his freedom.
” If Nnamdi Kanu is freed today, within 24 hours, we will see a dramatic reduction in the unrest plaguing the Southeast. The real agitators for justice will separate from those exploiting the situation for criminal gains, ” he added.
Family Rejects Indefinite Adjournment Of Kanu’ s Trial
On the legal front, the Kanu family criticized Justice Binta Nyako for indefinitely adjourning Kanu’ s trial. They recalled that she had previously recused herself from the case, making her continued involvement questionable.
” We find it highly suspicious that Justice Nyako has chosen to keep this case in limbo indefinitely. What personal interest does she have in the matter? She has displayed clear bias in handling this case, repeatedly rejecting requests to transfer him from DSS custody to a proper correctional facility, ” the family asserted.
They emphasized that Kanu’ s continued detention under harsh conditions in DSS custody violates his fundamental rights, further strengthening their call for international intervention.
Appeal To International Community And Tributes To Late Parents
The family urged the global community to hold the Nigerian government accountable, stressing that Kanu is a political prisoner who has committed no crime deserving incarceration.
Prince Emmanuel expressed gratitude to pro- Biafra activists and elders who gathered for the memorial event, which marked the fifth anniversary of their parents’ passing. He attributed their deaths to the trauma and distress caused by the September 14, 2017, military raid on their family home, during which 28 IPOB members lost their lives.
” Our parents never recovered from the shock of that brutal invasion. Seeing such a massive crowd gathered today in their memory is a testament to the impact they had. The people have chosen to recognize February 14 as ‘ Saint Kanu’ s Day’ to honor their sacrifices, and we deeply appreciate their love and solidarity, ” he said.
Reaffirming the family’ s stance on Kanu’ s incarceration, Prince Emmanuel insisted that his brother was being held for advocating issues that require diplomatic dialogue, not imprisonment.
” Kanu has always called for justice and fairness. The issues he raises are legitimate and should be resolved through dialogue, not persecution. His continued detention serves no purpose other than deepening divisions, ” he stressed.
Biafra Elders Call For Kanu’ s Release
Adding to the family’ s demands, High Chief Agonsi Ebere, a prominent leader among Biafra elders, stated that their presence at the memorial was a show of respect for Kanu’ s late parents, whom he described as martyrs for the Biafra cause.
He called on the Nigerian government to listen to the growing calls for Kanu’ s release, warning that his prolonged detention would only prolong instability in the country.
” The government must understand that keeping Kanu in detention is not a solution. It is only fueling further agitation. The longer he remains incarcerated, the deeper the divisions become. His release would be a step toward peace, ” Chief Ebere remarked.
He further appealed directly to President Tinubu, urging him to consider a peaceful resolution by handing Kanu over to Biafra elders who are willing to engage in constructive discussions to restore calm to the region.
Final Call For Kanu’ s Unconditional Release
As the memorial concluded, the overwhelming message remained clear— Kanu’ s continued detention is unjust and counterproductive. His family, pro- Biafra elders, and supporters insisted that releasing him would pave the way for lasting peace in the Southeast, urging Nigerian authorities to act without further delay.
” Justice delayed is justice denied, ” Prince Emmanuel reiterated. ” Nnamdi Kanu is a symbol of a legitimate struggle, and suppressing him will not silence the voices demanding fairness, equity, and justice. ”
The gathering ended with a renewed call for international bodies to intervene and press the Nigerian government to honor Kanu’ s rights, ensuring that his case is addressed through meaningful dialogue rather than prolonged incarceration.