Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has publicly declared her commitment to advocating for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the embattled leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Speaking at the 13th memorial anniversary of her late husband, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, held in Owerri, Ambassador Ojukwu emphasized that she would take every necessary measure to appeal to President Bola Tinubu to grant Kanu’s release.
During her address, Ambassador Ojukwu voiced her belief that President Tinubu understands the importance of Kanu’s release in promoting peace and stability in the Southeast. She argued that freeing Kanu could help expose the criminal elements who have exploited his detention to sow chaos in the region. These individuals, she claimed, use Kanu’s cause as a shield for their actions, which include various violent crimes and disturbances that have disrupted communities across the Southeast.
Her speech, titled “Unifying the Igbo Race,” centered on the urgent need to end violence in the region, emphasizing that the Igbo people are historically characterized by unity and mutual respect rather than internal conflicts. Ambassador Ojukwu called for collective efforts to restore peace, asserting that only through unity could the Southeast overcome its current challenges and secure a future of stability and cooperation.
“The release of Nnamdi Kanu,” she stated, “is critical in distinguishing genuine freedom fighters from those criminals who hide behind his cause to incite violence in the Southeast. Our people are facing severe threats, and it’s essential that we take the necessary steps to restore peace to our communities.”
Reflecting on the legacy of her late husband, Dim Ojukwu, who was a prominent advocate for the Igbo people, Ambassador Ojukwu expressed sorrow over the current state of the Southeast. She lamented that, years after his passing, the region has descended into violence, forcing many families to abandon their homes and communities.
“Our communities are emptying out. Our best and brightest are fleeing, and kidnapping for ransom has become commonplace. This is not the vision Dim Ojukwu had for our people,” she noted with regret, highlighting the tragic shift in the region’s social fabric.
Ambassador Ojukwu underscored the significance of President Tinubu’s role in this issue, arguing that by granting Kanu’s release, the President would be facilitating efforts to identify and address those who are responsible for perpetuating violence in the Southeast under the guise of self-determination. “President Tinubu is aware of the impact that Kanu’s release could have,” she said, “as it would expose those who are masquerading as IPOB members while committing violent acts. This action would mark a step towards restoring law and order in the region.”
She also spoke out against the violent “sit-at-home” orders frequently imposed in the Southeast, pointing out that such measures contradict the ideals of self-determination and have severely disrupted the region’s economic and social life. The Igbo, she reminded her audience, are known for their enterprising spirit and strong communal bonds, values that are currently under threat due to ongoing instability.
“It’s time for us to reclaim our land and reassert the values that Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu upheld,” she added, emphasizing the need for the Igbo people to stand together and reject the violence that has undermined their communities.
Ambassador Ojukwu’s appeal aligns with the growing calls for Nnamdi Kanu’s release, as many believe it could be instrumental in curbing insecurity in the Southeast and promoting regional unity. As she continues her advocacy, her voice joins those who see Kanu’s freedom as a potential turning point for restoring peace and progress in the Southeast.
