The Igbo General Assembly (IGA) in Europe has called on President Bola Tinubu to facilitate the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to help restore peace and stability in Nigeria’s Southeast region.
The appeal was made during the 14th Igbo General Assembly held in Sevilla, Spain, where the group highlighted the link between Kanu’s detention and the rising insecurity in the region.
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Chief Kingsley Ozo Ndibe, the President General of the IGA, faulted former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration for ignoring multiple court rulings that had granted Kanu bail, calling it a violation of the IPOB leader’s fundamental human rights. According to Ndibe, the group believes that releasing Kanu would bring an end to the widespread agitations and insecurity that have plagued the Southeast since his arrest.
“Mazi Nnamdi Kanu was granted bail several times, but the previous administration chose to ignore these court orders, which amounts to a complete violation of his fundamental rights,” said Ndibe.
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“We are now appealing to President Tinubu to intervene, as a father of the nation, and help resolve this issue by releasing Kanu unconditionally, as has been done with other regional agitators.”
He expressed optimism that Kanu’s release would significantly reduce the influence of non-state actors, who have been responsible for creating instability in the Southeast.
Ndibe also urged Tinubu to apply political solutions if necessary, as was done in the cases of Sunday Igboho and agitators from other regions.
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In her address at the assembly, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain, Naomi Chika Nwachukwu, urged Nigerians to remain patient with President Tinubu’s administration.
She reassured the community that the policies being introduced by the President would eventually lead to positive changes for the country.
“Mr. President is working hard. The policies he is putting in place now will materialize into positive outcomes soon,” Nwachukwu said.
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“I encourage Nigerians to remain patient while these initiatives take effect. Positive change takes time, but I believe President Tinubu is fully committed to delivering on his campaign promises.”
She also commended the Nigerian diaspora in Spain for promoting the country’s cultural heritage, stressing the importance of unity among Nigerians, regardless of ethnic or religious backgrounds.
Nwachukwu praised the cultural display during the Igbo General Assembly and highlighted her plans to attend similar Yoruba events in other parts of Spain, emphasizing that Nigerians should celebrate their diversity and showcase their rich traditions wherever they are.
“Regardless of where you come from in Nigeria, we must stay united and continue to showcase our culture. Events like this are crucial in bringing Nigerians together and showing the world the beauty of our diversity,” she added.
The Igbo General Assembly event in Sevilla saw an impressive display of Nigerian cultural heritage and a strong call for peaceful resolutions to ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s Southeast.
