Daud Olatunji
A prominent sociocultural group, Igbo General Assembly (IGA) in Europe, has made a passionate appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to release the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
The group argues that freeing Kanu would lead to an end to the persistent agitations and insecurity plaguing the Southeast region of Nigeria.
The call was made during the 14th Igbo General Assembly, held in Sevilla, Spain, on Saturday.
Addressing the media at the sidelines of the event, the President-General of IGA, Chief Kingsley Ozo Ndibe, condemned the previous administration under former President Muhammadu Buhari for disregarding court orders that granted Kanu bail.
Ndibe labelled the continued detention of Kanu as a gross violation of his fundamental human rights.
According to Ndibe, the ongoing unrest in the Southeast, which has witnessed non-state actors seizing control and causing hardship for residents, is closely tied to Kanu’s imprisonment.
He expressed confidence that releasing Kanu would lead to an immediate cessation of the unrest and insecurity that have worsened in the region.
“Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has been granted bail several times, but the previous administration refused to comply with even a single court order.
This is a clear violation of his fundamental human rights,” Ndibe stated, expressing frustration over Buhari’s disobedience to the rule of law.
He also emphasised that Kanu’s release could serve as a vital step toward restoring peace in the Southeast.
Ndibe further appealed to President Tinubu to adopt a political solution, similar to the approach used in other regions of Nigeria.
He referenced the cases of Sunday Igboho, a Yoruba nation agitator, and other northern agitators who were released through political interventions.
“We, leaders of Ndigbo in Europe, are appealing to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently look into the situation in the Southeast by helping us as his fellow countrymen to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu unconditionally.
“Even if it means applying a political solution to this case, as they did for others,” Ndibe pleaded.
The Igbo leader expressed hope that President Tinubu, as the “father of all,” would consider the plea and work toward ensuring peace in the Southeast.
He added that Kanu’s release would allow him to reunite with his family and would likely bring an end to the unrest and agitations that have intensified since his arrest.
“We believe that once Kanu is released, peace will return to the Southeast, and the insecurity and agitations that began with his arrest will cease,” he remarked.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain, Naomey Chika Nwachukwu, fdc, has called on Nigerians to remain patient with the policies being implemented by President Tinubu’s administration.
Speaking during the assembly in Sevilla, the ambassador assured Nigerians that the current reforms, although difficult, would eventually yield positive results.
“I can assure you that Mr. President truly cares about Nigerians and is committed to fulfilling his campaign promises.
“The policies being put in place now will eventually lead to positive outcomes for all Nigerians,” Nwachukwu stated.
The ambassador also praised the display of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage at the Igbo General Assembly, describing it as significant in promoting unity among Nigerians abroad.
She noted that the event demonstrated the importance of maintaining cultural ties, regardless of ethnic or religious differences.
“All Nigerians here in Spain have been showcasing their culture in a very positive way. It’s important that we continue to display our cultural heritage, no matter where we are, as it fosters unity among us,” Nwachukwu added, emphasising the need for Nigerians to remain united despite their diverse backgrounds.
The ambassador’s remarks echoed the larger theme of the event—peace, unity, and cultural pride—amidst Nigeria’s ongoing challenges at home.
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