The apex Igbo sociocultural body, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has revealed that quiet diplomatic engagements are underway between President Bola Tinubu, Minister of Works Dave Umahi, and select Igbo elders aimed at securing the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Deputy President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, and Chief Thompson Ohia, the group’s national spokesman, the organisation stated that it is committed to transparency and felt obligated to update the Igbo public on the ongoing backchannel discussions.
“These pivotal discussions have opened essential channels and viable pathways that may facilitate the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu, pending the outcome of the Federal High Court’s final judgment in Abuja,” the statement read.
According to Ohanaeze, the initiative is being led by Senator Umahi with the full backing of the organisation and Igbo leadership.
While Kanu’s representatives are not yet formally part of the process, the group has promised to bring them in at a later stage to ensure openness and unity among all stakeholders.
The group urged pro-Biafra agitators to suspend protests and inflammatory rhetoric, assuring them that no political conditions would be tied to Kanu’s release.
“We unequivocally reaffirm that no conditions will be imposed on Nnamdi Kanu regarding his release. President Tinubu will not be permitted to engage in political trading surrounding Kanu’s release in exchange for political support from the southeast,” the statement said.
Ohanaeze also cautioned against attacks on Umahi or the federal government, stating that such criticisms are either based on misinformation or self-interest in Kanu’s prolonged detention.
“President Tinubu is poised to undertake decisive action regarding Kanu’s release after thorough assessment of the current legal proceedings,” it added.
The group concluded by urging President Tinubu to “do what is just and right for the sake of posterity,” noting that the release of Kanu would be a historic move that could unite the nation.