Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has stated that she would ensure President Bola Tinubu releases Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Speaking at the 13th memorial anniversary of thr Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, held in Owerri on Tuesday, with the theme “Unifying the Igbo Race,” Ambassador Ojukwu emphasised that freeing Kanu would help to expose criminal elements that had used his detention as cover for heinous crimes in the South-East.
Ambassador Ojukwu also called for an end to the violence plaguing the South-East, stressing that the Igbo people were not known for harming their own.
She highlighted the need for collective action to reclaim the region from criminality and insecurity.
“The release of Nnamdi Kanu is paramount to separating genuine freedom fighters from criminals causing mayhem in the Southeast. Our people face existential threats, and we must act to restore peace,” she said.
“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 added, “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 also decried the imposition of violent “sit-at-home” orders in the Southeast, which she said contradict the ideals of self-determination and have stifled economic activities in the region.
“Ndigbo are enterprising and their brother’s keepers. We must reclaim our land and continue to propagate the ideals for which Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu stood.”