Tinubu Will Release Nnamdi Kanu – Bianca Ojukwu

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has expressed her belief that President Bola Tinubu will release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Speaking during the 13th memorial anniversary of the late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu in Owerri on Tuesday, Bianca Ojukwu described the release of Kanu as a crucial step toward addressing the insecurity plaguing the Southeast.

Ojukwu argued that freeing Kanu would expose the criminal elements who have taken advantage of his detention to carry out violent acts in the region. She emphasized that this move would help separate genuine freedom fighters from those using IPOB’s name as a cover for their activities. “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,” she said.

In her address, Bianca Ojukwu lamented the deteriorating security situation in the Southeast, which has forced many residents to flee their homes and communities. She described the current state of the region as a betrayal of the ideals championed by her late husband, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, noting that the Igbo people are traditionally known for their sense of community and peaceful coexistence. “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 lamented.

She expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s ability to understand the gravity of the situation and act decisively. According to her, releasing Kanu would help restore order and expose those behind the violence. “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.

Bianca Ojukwu also condemned the violent enforcement of “sit-at-home” orders in the Southeast, describing them as counterproductive to the ideals of self-determination and economic progress. She called for a collective effort to reclaim the region from the grip of insecurity and urged Ndigbo to unite in preserving their shared heritage and identity.

“Ndigbo are enterprising and their brother’s keepers. We must reclaim our land and continue to propagate the ideals for which Dim Ojukwu stood,” she said.