By CHUKWUMA OFILLI
- Ojukwu: Releasing Kanu Will Expose Criminal Elements Exploiting IPOB’s Cause
- Call for Unity at the 13th Memorial of Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu
- Violent Sit-at-Home Orders and Regional Insecurity Condemned
Bianca Ojukwu Advocates for Kanu’s Release as a Step Toward Peace
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu will release the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. Speaking at the 13th memorial anniversary of her late husband, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, in Owerri on Tuesday, she highlighted the urgency of Kanu’s release for the sake of peace in the Southeast.
“The release of Nnamdi Kanu is paramount to separating genuine freedom fighters from criminals causing mayhem in the Southeast,” Ojukwu said.
She emphasized that Kanu’s freedom would expose individuals exploiting his detention to perpetrate crimes and undermine the region’s stability.
A Call to End Southeast Violence
Addressing the theme “Unifying the Igbo Race,” Ambassador Ojukwu decried the violence and insecurity plaguing the Southeast, noting that these issues have forced many Igbo families to flee their homes.
“Communities are empty. Our illustrious sons and daughters have fled. Kidnappers now abduct their brothers for ransom. This is not what Dim Ojukwu fought for,” she lamented.
She criticized the imposition of violent “sit-at-home” orders, which she argued contradict the ideals of self-determination and have stifled economic progress in the region.
Hope for Presidential Action
Ambassador Ojukwu urged President Tinubu to act decisively, believing he recognizes the significance of Nnamdi Kanu’s release in restoring order.
“President Tinubu understands the importance of Kanu’s release. It will expose the masqueraders behind the violence and help restore order. I will do whatever it takes to ensure His Excellency grants this request,” she stated.
She also called on Ndigbo to reclaim their region and promote the unity and ideals championed by Dim Ojukwu.
Unity and Peace for the Southeast
Bianca Ojukwu’s remarks add to mounting calls for Kanu’s release as a means to address insecurity and foster unity in the Southeast. Her impassioned plea reflects the growing demand for collective action to rebuild the region and preserve the legacy of Igbo leaders.
