Nnamdi Kanu’s RELEASE! Tension As AVID Drops Bombshell STATEMENT On Christmas Day Amid Tinubu’s Refusal To Free IPOB Leader
Efforts to secure the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), have intensified as various groups express concern over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’ s apparent silence on the matter. Advocacy groups argue that Kanu’ s release could foster peace and unity in Nigeria, particularly in the Southeast, where security challenges persist.
In statements released on Tuesday, the American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID) and the 372 Youth Empowerment Network, a pan- Nigerian youth organization, renewed their appeals for Tinubu to address the situation through political means.
AVID, in a statement signed by its President, Dr. Sylvester Onyia, and Vice President, Prince Joe Nduka, described Kanu’ s detention as unjust. ” Injustice to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is injustice to all, ” the group stated, adding that former President Muhammadu Buhari’ s strategy of detaining Kanu to suppress separatist movements has not only failed but has also amplified Kanu’ s influence.
” His popularity has multiplied over the past years, as has his unshakeable stand on our collective conviction as a people. His nonviolent approach makes him more likeable, ” AVID noted.
The group emphasized that Kanu’ s fight for self- determination has garnered admiration nationwide. ” Mazi Nnamdi Kanu remains a brother, son, and father to many Igbos and non- Igbos who have associated with him and seen his positive vision for everyone, ” AVID stated.
AVID urged Tinubu to release Kanu immediately and unconditionally, asserting that doing so would significantly reduce crime in the Southeast. ” If Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is freed today, crimes will go down by up to 95%. Whoever questions this may be discreetly supporting and sponsoring insecurity in the Southeast while blaming it on Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, ” the group claimed.
The veterans accused detractors of exploiting Kanu’ s detention for financial gain. ” Those opposing Kanu’ s release are simply making money with his infamous and illegal detention, ” AVID said, maintaining that freeing Kanu would benefit the nation.
The group also criticized Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo for retracting his earlier stance that Kanu’ s release would reduce crime in the region. AVID reminded Soludo that the situation has not changed and reiterated its disagreement with his revised position.
” If the new position of the Anambra governor is that Kanu’ s release will not reduce crime in the Southeast, it means that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is not the cause of insecurity in the region, ” AVID argued.
The 372 Youth Empowerment Network, in a statement signed by its leadership, including President Mohammed Saidu and National Secretary Toyin Deinde Komolafe, appealed to Tinubu to release Kanu on compassionate grounds. The organization described the move as a potential ” political masterstroke” for achieving lasting peace in the Southeast and beyond.
” Our call for Kanu’ s release is based on our strong conviction that we must begin to heal the wounds of the past, forgive one another, and jointly advance the cause of a strong, indivisible, and united Nigeria, ” the group stated.
Acknowledging past mistakes, the youth network emphasized the importance of reconciliation. ” This is the time in the history of our nation that we need all hands on deck to save our dear country from the vagaries of war, criminalities, sectionalism, tribalism, religious bigotry, division, and other vices inimical to the growth and sustainable peace of Nigeria, ” it said.
The group appealed to Tinubu to use his authority as President to demonstrate his commitment to democratic principles and national unity. ” We appeal to Mr. President to please deploy the instrumentality of his highly exalted office, as the father of the nation, to immediately order the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from detention. This would demonstrate his widely acclaimed democratic credentials and love for Ndigbo in particular, ” the statement read.
As pressure mounts, Tinubu’ s response— or lack thereof— could shape perceptions of his administration’ s approach to national unity and reconciliation. While his silence on Kanu’ s case remains a point of contention, advocates argue that addressing the issue could help mend fractures in the Southeast and promote national cohesion.
