Tinubu Faces Mounting Pressure to Release Nnamdi Kanu

The recent initiative by South-East governors and National Assembly members to meet with President Bola Tinubu regarding the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has generated varied reactions.

Kanu remains a contentious figure in Nigeria’s political landscape, viewed by some as a symbol of the struggle for self-determination and by others as a threat to national unity.

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo, former Nigerian Bar Association President Olisa Agbakoba, and other groups have welcomed the move, seeing it as a step toward a political solution. However, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, spokesperson for the Northern Elders Forum, opposes the proposal, arguing it would undermine the criminal justice system and embolden separatist groups.

Some critics have described the move as “belated,” suggesting it should have come earlier given the urgency. Kanu’s ongoing detention has been a significant concern for many in the South-East region, with his release being a longstanding demand of various groups and individuals, including political candidates Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Mr. Peter Obi from the 2023 general elections.

On Tuesday, South-East governors met in Enugu under the South-East Governors’ Forum and resolved to appeal to Tinubu for Kanu’s release. The communique was read by Imo State Governor Senator Hope Uzodimma. Subsequently, South-East senators, led by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, met with the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, in Abuja, submitting a letter seeking a political solution for Kanu.

South-East lawmakers in the House of Representatives also called on Tinubu to release Kanu, emphasizing that an out-of-court settlement would restore peace in the region. Previously, 50 House of Representatives members from various parts of Nigeria appealed to Tinubu to invoke specific constitutional and legal provisions for Kanu’s release.

The clamour for a political solution has intensified recently, with Igbo political and traditional leaders urging the government to drop terrorism charges against Kanu. Kanu, who pleaded not guilty to these charges, has been detained by the Department of State Service (DSS) since June 2021.

In March 2024, the Federal High Court in Abuja denied his bail application, making the proposed meeting between South-East governors, NASS members, and Tinubu a positive step towards resolving the issue.

Prominent figures like Olisa Agbakoba and Ugochimereze Chinedu Asuzu have praised the efforts to engage with the President, emphasizing the need for a peaceful resolution to the crisis in the South-East.

Okechukwu Nwanguma, Executive Director of the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), also welcomed the renewed efforts, stressing the importance of dialogue and constructive engagement to tackle insecurity in the region.

The prolonged detention of Kanu has adversely affected the South-East, hindering business, development, and fundamental human rights. Leaders like Okechukwu Nwanguma argue that releasing Kanu could help end the “sit-at-home” protests and reduce attacks on security personnel and infrastructure.

The National President of the Ohanaeze Youth Council, Comrade Igboayaka O Igboayaka, criticized the delayed intervention by Igbo leaders, urging President Tinubu to ignore blackmail and conspiracy and commence a peace-building project by releasing Kanu.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Alex Ogbonnia, reiterated the long-standing demand for Kanu’s release, stating that keeping him detained only exacerbates the problems in the South-East.

Chief Goddy Uwazurike of the Credibility Group and Collins Ugwu of Aka Ikenga also emphasized the importance of political solutions, arguing that Kanu’s release is vital for peace in the region.

Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, speaking personally, criticized the demand for Kanu’s unconditional release, viewing it as an abuse of constitutionalism and rule of law.