Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has pledged to advocate for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Ambassador Ojukwu made this declaration during the 13th memorial anniversary of Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, held in Owerri on Tuesday. The event, themed “Unifying the Igbo Race,” brought together leaders and stakeholders to reflect on the challenges facing the South-East region.
In her address, Ambassador Ojukwu emphasized that the release of Nnamdi Kanu is critical to addressing the insecurity and criminal activities plaguing the South-East. She argued that Kanu’s detention has been exploited by criminal elements who masquerade as freedom fighters while committing heinous crimes in the region. According to her, freeing Kanu would serve to distinguish genuine advocates for self-determination from those causing chaos and destruction.
“The release of Nnamdi Kanu is paramount to separating genuine freedom fighters from the criminals wreaking havoc in the Southeast. Our people are facing existential threats, and we must act swiftly to restore peace,” she said.
Ambassador Ojukwu expressed concern over the deteriorating state of communities in the region, where insecurity has forced many to abandon their homes. “Communities are now desolate. Our illustrious sons and daughters have fled their ancestral homes. Kidnappers are abducting their own brothers for ransom. This is a complete departure from the values Dim Ojukwu stood for.”
She further criticized the violent enforcement of “sit-at-home” orders in the South-East, describing them as antithetical to the ideals of self-determination and a major impediment to economic activities in the region. “The sit-at-home orders have crippled businesses and stifled the entrepreneurial spirit for which Ndigbo are known. These actions betray the very essence of our struggle for self-determination,” she remarked.
The Minister called on the Igbo people to unite and take decisive steps to reclaim the region from criminal elements. She highlighted the need for collective action, noting that the Igbo have historically been a peace-loving and industrious people. “Ndigbo are enterprising and their brother’s keepers. We must reclaim our land and uphold the ideals for which Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu fought,” she stated.
Ambassador Ojukwu also expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s understanding of the situation and his willingness to facilitate Kanu’s release. She argued that such a move would expose the “masqueraders” fueling violence in the region and pave the way for the restoration of order.
“President Tinubu understands the importance of Kanu’s release. It will unmask those hiding behind his detention to perpetuate criminality. I am committed to doing whatever it takes to ensure His Excellency grants this request,” she added.
The Minister concluded by calling for an end to the violence and insecurity in the South-East, stressing that reclaiming the region is essential to preserving the legacy of Dim Ojukwu and securing a brighter future for Ndigbo.
