Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, on Wednesday, appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to officially withdraw all charges against Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.
Ohanaeze made the appeal in the wake of the recent release of Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Igboho, from prison in Benin Republic.
Recall that Ohanaeze had urged Tinubu to release Kanu and prevail on the Benin Republic government to release Igboho on October 1st, 2023.
But, last week, the Beninese government released Igboho from prison after two years in custody.
Igboho was picked up and remanded in Cotonou after he fled Nigeria after he was declared wanted by the Department of State Services, DSS.
However, Ohanaeze’s factional Secretary-General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, commended the unwavering contributions of Yoruba leaders such as former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Prof Banji Akintoye, Prof Wole Soyinka, and Pa Ayo Adebanjo in securing Igboho’s release.
A statement by Isiguzoro said their efforts have not gone unnoticed. Hence Ohanaeze Ndigbo expressed its gratitude for their dedication and relentless pursuit of justice.
To this end, he urged Tinubu to emulate his Beninese counterpart, President Patrice Talon, by releasing Kanu.
Isiguzoro insisted that releasing Kanu would ensure national unity and peace.
He said:
“We express our satisfaction with President Patrice Talon of Benin Republic for releasing Sunday Igboho through the intervention of Yoruba leaders and political figures.
“Now, we believe it is the opportune moment for President Tinubu to follow suit and show similar gestures by dropping all charges against Nnamdi Kanu.
“The release of Nnamdi Kanu will not only contribute to restoring peace in the Southeast region but also address the prevailing security challenges faced by our nation.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo firmly believes that granting Kanu his freedom will foster reconciliation and promote more harmonious coexistence among different ethnic groups in Nigeria.”
