Pressure is increasing on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to release Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who has been detained by the federal government since June 2021.
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Government sources suggest that Kanu’s release might be imminent, though the terms remain unclear.
The presidency has declined to officially comment on the matter, but insiders acknowledge the right of South-East leaders to request the president’s intervention.
Political leaders from the South-East have ramped up their efforts to secure Kanu’s release in recent weeks, holding numerous meetings and making public appeals.
This push has transcended party lines, uniting legislators and chief executives from the five states in the region, who seek a political solution to the crisis that has caused economic and social turmoil.
The situation in the South-East has been dire, with the IPOB’s Monday sit-at-home order, enforced by its paramilitary wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), resulting in significant disruption and loss of life.
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The federal government, through the Attorney General’s office, has remained tight-lipped about its plans, citing the subjudice nature of the case.
However, it is reported that the governors of the five South-East states will soon meet with the president to formally present their resolution.
On July 2, the South-East governors, including Hope Uzodinma of Imo, Alex Otti of Abia, Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra, Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi, and host Peter Mbah of Enugu, resolved to engage with the federal government to secure Kanu’s release.
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Following this meeting, the South-East Caucus of the Senate, led by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, met with the Attorney General to plead for Kanu’s release.
They also submitted a letter to President Tinubu, emphasizing that Kanu’s release is crucial to restoring stability in the region.
Senator Abaribe, who has previously acted as Kanu’s surety, expressed optimism that releasing Kanu would defuse the tension that has gripped the South-East since his detention.
The South-East Caucus in the House of Representatives echoed this sentiment, issuing a statement supported by 43 lawmakers advocating for Kanu’s release as a means to achieve peace.
Furthermore, Obi Aguocha, representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency, has been actively seeking support for Kanu’s release, including a visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Aguocha emphasized the importance of a political resolution and Kanu’s potential positive contributions to national unity and development.
Aguocha’s efforts are part of a broader appeal by 50 House of Representatives members to President Tinubu, urging the Attorney General to explore legal avenues for Kanu’s release.
Despite these efforts, the Attorney General’s office maintains that commenting on the matter would be inappropriate due to its ongoing legal status.
Constitutional lawyer, Professor Auwalu Yadudu suggested that the government could consider a nolle prosequi, or discontinuation of the trial, contingent on commitments from South-East leaders.
Professor Seyi Akinseye-George (SAN) also advocated for an out-of-court settlement with clear conditions to ensure compliance, while Barrister Chukwudi Igwe highlighted the legal mechanisms available to the President through the Attorney General to withdraw the charges against Kanu.
The collective hope is that these efforts will lead to Kanu’s release and a subsequent easing of the region’s ongoing crises.
