The Association of Igbo Town Unions (ASITU) commended Southeast governors for their recent decision to approach President Bola Tinubu regarding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). ASITU urged the governors to intensify their efforts to secure his freedom.

Calls for Renewed Efforts

ASITU President Chief Emeka Diwe acknowledged the belated nature of the governors’ action. However, he expressed hope that it would bolster the ongoing efforts by various groups and individuals seeking Kanu’s release, both domestically and internationally. Diwe emphasized that a more unified front from the beginning, including ASITU’s lobbying efforts, could have significantly impacted the situation.

“While the Southeast governors’ decision to join the call for Nnamdi Kanu’s release comes after a long wait, it’s a positive step,” Diwe said. “We believe a more collaborative approach, including ASITU’s ongoing efforts, could have made a difference earlier.”

Appealing for Unity and Action

ASITU lauded members of the National Assembly who have joined the chorus for Kanu’s release. The group urged the federal government to seriously consider their appeals and expedite his release. Diwe explained ASITU’s belief that Kanu’s release would foster peace and security in the Southeast. He emphasized that it would be a crucial step towards de-escalating the current tensions in the region. ASITU has actively pursued Kanu’s unconditional release through consultations with stakeholders, press releases, conferences, and negotiations with the government. The group believes his release would be a powerful gesture of goodwill and reconciliation, addressing the perceived sense of injustice in the Southeast and paving the way for constructive dialogue on underlying grievances.

“We believe Nnamdi Kanu’s release is a critical step towards peace in the Southeast,” Diwe said. “His release would be a gesture of goodwill that can open doors for productive discussions on the root causes of the current tensions.”

A Plea to President Tinubu

ASITU commended President Tinubu for being receptive to calls for Kanu’s release, who was previously freed by a court order but remained in detention under the Buhari administration. The group urged Tinubu to demonstrate his statesmanship and commitment to democracy by facilitating Kanu’s release. ASITU further called on Tinubu to work towards minimizing injustice, victimization, nepotism, and marginalization against the Igbo people.

“We urge President Tinubu to seize this opportunity to demonstrate his commitment to the rule of law and democratic principles,” Diwe said. “Nnamdi Kanu’s release would be a strong signal of his administration’s willingness to address longstanding grievances in the Southeast.”

The call for Kanu’s release presents a challenge for President Tinubu. While some see it as a necessary step towards peace in the Southeast, others view Kanu as a dangerous figure. Tinubu will need to navigate these competing interests as he decides on the next steps.

Source: Vanguard