The Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-political group, has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to release Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB). Speaking at the flag-off of the pre-dredging and hydrographic survey of the proposed sea access route of the Urashi-Oguta waterways in Imo State on Thursday, May 11, 2023, the president of the group, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, made the appeal and requested Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to pass on the message to President Buhari.
Iwuanyanwu expressed gratitude to President Buhari for his administration's efforts in the southeast region, noting that the Igbo people are now happy with the current government. He praised Buhari's contributions to the region and stated that the Igbos would be grateful if Kanu is released.
In his words, "Please, finally, our vice president, tell our brother and son, Buhari, that the Ohanaeze Ndigbo — the over 60 million Igbos — request that he should release Nnamdi Kanu. I would like the vice president, when you go, tell Buhari we are very grateful. When he took office we were not happy, we complained. But today, at the point of departure, things have changed. I can see that in most states a lot has been done. Here in Imo state, a lot has been done for us."
He also implored Buhari to realize that he is an Igbo son and an honorary Igbo man due to the chieftaincy titles conferred on him by some Igbo states, including Imo and Ebonyi. "Chieftaincy title in Igbo land is taken very seriously. You have to help us tell Buhari that he is an Igbo son, he is a member of Ohaneze Ndi Igbo by this honour given to him and what I am speaking here today, I am also speaking on his behalf", he added.
The Ohanaeze Ndigbo's appeal for the release of Kanu is expected to further add to the growing demand for the release of the IPOB leader, who has been in detention since 2015 on charges of treasonable felony.
