The family of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) who is currently under detention, in a sincere plea to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has asked him to release Kanu in remembrance of the late Ohanaeze Ndigbo President General, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.
Kanu’s brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, who issued the statement on behalf of the family also called on South East governors and other relevant parties to band together in support of Kanu’s freedom and to exercise leadership.
According to the family, the release of the secessionist leader would be an honour to the late Igbo monarch, who passed away in July and will be buried on November 2.
The family cited the judge’s disobedience to Supreme Court orders as an international embarrassment for Nigeria and stated that the judge’s subsequent recusal from Kanu’s trial opened the door for a political resolution.
Prince Kanu emphasised that Kanu’s release would assist in solving the marginalisation of the Igbo people and urged President Tinubu to apply the same fairness and justice that resulted in the release of Yoruba self-determination leader Sunday Igboho.
To heal the wounds of the Nigerian Civil War and guarantee justice for the Igbo, he demanded the complete application of the “Three Rs”: rehabilitation, reintegration, and restoration.
They also urged religious and traditional leaders to establish a forum for group action.
“While Mazi Nnamdi Kanu may have offended some individuals with his rhetoric, it doesn’t indicate he harbours hate.
“He cares for and respects people but expresses concern when things are not handled properly.
“He has no interest in holding political office in Nigeria; his primary focus is on ensuring the proper development of Biafra land with equal opportunities for all,” the family stated.