Minister of state for foreign affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu has pledged to convince President Bola Tinubu to release the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
Bianca stated this at the 13th memorial anniversary of her late husband Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu in Owerri on Tuesday.
She argued that Kanu’s prolonged detention has provided a cover for criminal elements to perpetrate violence in the region, stating: “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.”
Bianca highlighted the escalating violence and insecurity in the region, lamenting the displacement of communities and the rise in kidnappings and criminal activities.
“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 said.
Delivering her remarks under the theme “Unifying the Igbo Race,” she called on Ndigbo to reclaim their values and work collectively to rebuild the region. She condemned the violent enforcement of “sit-at-home” orders, which have crippled the Southeast’s economy and are inconsistent with the ideals of self-determination.
“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,” she said.
Bianca reiterated her belief in Tinubu’s understanding of the importance of Kanu’s release, stating that such an action would expose those exploiting IPOB’s cause for criminal purposes.
“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 stated.
