Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has expressed her firm belief that President Bola Tinubu will ensure the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Speaking at the 13th memorial anniversary of the late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu in Owerri, Bianca Ojukwu emphasized the importance of Kanu’s release. She believes that freeing Kanu will expose those using his detention as a cover to carry out criminal activities in the Southeast.
During her remarks on the theme “Unifying the Igbo Race,” she called for an end to the ongoing violence in southeast, stressing that the Igbo people are not known for harming their own. Ojukwu underscored the need for collective action to rid the Southeast of criminality and insecurity.
“The release of Nnamdi Kanu is crucial in distinguishing true freedom fighters from criminals wreaking havoc in our region. Our people are facing grave threats, and we must work together to restore peace,” she stated.
Reflecting on the state of our region years after her husband’s passing, she lamented the rise in violence and insecurity, which has driven many people from their homes.
“Communities have been emptied. Our sons and daughters have fled. Kidnappers now abduct people for ransom. This is not what Dim Ojukwu fought for,” she added.
Appeal for Nnamdi Kanu’s Release Bianca Ojukwu reiterated her call for President Tinubu to release Nnamdi Kanu, stressing that doing so would help identify the criminals hiding behind the IPOB banner to cause chaos.
“President Tinubu understands the significance of Kanu’s release. It will unmask the forces behind the violence and restore order to our region. I will do everything within my power to ensure that His Excellency grants this request,” she declared.
She also criticized the violent “sit-at-home” orders imposed in the Southeast, stating that they contradict the ideals of self-determination and have significantly harmed south East economy.
“Ndigbo are known for their enterprise and solidarity. We must reclaim our land and continue to uphold the ideals for which Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu stood,” Ojukwu concluded.
Her comments add to the growing calls for Nnamdi Kanu’s release as a means to address insecurity and promote unity in the Southeast.
