As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu embarks on his official visit to Enugu State today, calls for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), have intensified. The visit, aimed at fostering peace and development in the South East, coincides with growing concerns about the escalating violence and unrest in the region, which many attribute to the activities of IPOB.
The Ohanaeze Ndigbo, a prominent socio-cultural organization representing the interests of the Igbo people, in ethnic solidarity has publicly appealed for Nnamdi Kanu’s release. Ohanaeze emphasized the urgent need for dialogue and reconciliation, asserting that “social fairness and equity are the causes, results, or products of any nation’s national peace, unity, patriotism, and sustained economic growth.This means that under extreme existential dangers like deliberate marginalisation, relative deprivation, and external instigation of insecurity, conflicts, and crises, almost no community or group can remain complacent.Therefore, if President Tinubu authorises Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s release, it is hoped that the visit to Enugu will leave his name indelibly in the hearts of Ndigbo and all well-meaning Nigerians.”The continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu is a barrier to peace in the South East.”
The organization highlighted that the ongoing unrest, fueled by IPOB’s activities, has had devastating effects on the region’s economy and social fabric.
Recall, Nnamdi Kanu, was arrested in June 2021 and is facing various charges related to his violent struggle for Biafran independence, has become a symbol of the South East’s struggle for self-determination.
His trajectory has been marked by legal battles, political controversies, and a fervent following that continues to exacerbates tensions in the region.
The atrocities committed by IPOB in the name of self-determination have not only led to loss of lives but have also created an atmosphere of fear that stifles growth and development.
It is uncertain if similar appeal would be made for Simon Ekpa who is standing trial in Finland.
As President Tinubu engages with stakeholders in Enugu, the significance of his visit extends beyond mere political maneuvering. It represents a pivotal moments for the South East, where calls for peace and the resolution of deep-seated grievances have become paramount. The hope is that with the right approach, the region can move past the turmoil and work towards a more harmonious future.
President Tinubu is expected to commission 30 completed and equipped Enugu Smart Green Schools out of 260 under construction across the state’s 260 wards.
Also to be commissioned are 60 completed and equipped Type 2 Primary Healthcare Centres out of 260 under construction, as well as the completed multi-auditorium and multi-functional Enugu International Conference Centre.
Furthermore, President Tinubu is expected to commission 90 completed urban roads in Enugu City, a state-of-the-art Command and Control Centre, and 150 patrol vehicles fitted with AI-embedded surveillance cameras.
The president will also commission some completed rural roads during his one-day visit, which marks his first state visit to Enugu State since taking office.
