The President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, has been urged to release Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), from detention as a step towards calming the prevailing tension in the Southeast region.
This appeal came from King Larry Ogbonnaya Agwu, the traditional ruler of Ajata-na-Igu Autonomous Community in Ikwuano Local Government Area, during the 2024 new yam celebration on Saturday. According to King Agwu, the release of Nnamdi Kanu is highly significant for the Igbo people, and such an action would leave a positive mark on Tinubu’s administration.
King Agwu expressed that former President Muhammadu Buhari initiated Kanu’s incarceration, and now President Tinubu has the opportunity to resolve it. He emphasized that historically, the Yoruba and Igbo are brothers, and there should be collective pressure to release Kanu, especially since other agitators from different regions have already been freed.
“There is nothing you will do that will appease the Igbo except you release Nnamdi Kanu. Releasing him will not only lead to greater development but also ease the challenges facing your administration. Keeping him detained serves no purpose,” King Agwu said.
He added that those surrounding President Tinubu might not be offering the best advice regarding Kanu’s detention. “Releasing Nnamdi Kanu will earn you global respect, while keeping him as a political detainee will only bring more challenges,” the monarch insisted.
King Agwu also urged President Tinubu to personally engage with Kanu by summoning the Department of State Services (DSS) to bring him for a direct discussion. He believes that such an engagement would help the President clear his conscience and make significant progress.
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In addition to calling for Kanu’s release, King Agwu used the occasion to reflect on the significance of the new yam festival, which marks a time of gratitude for agricultural produce. He emphasized the importance of giving thanks for bountiful harvests, highlighting the cultural and spiritual value of the festival.
Eze Philip Ajomiwe, the traditional ruler of Oriendu Autonomous Community, also addressed attendees, encouraging people from the Southeastern zone to invest more in agriculture. He emphasized that agricultural development is crucial for sustaining the region’s economy.
Meanwhile, Ezeji Amaechila Ekpuru, the Chairman of the event and Traditional Prime Minister of Amaoba Ancient Kingdom, called on both state and federal governments to implement initiatives that will support and uplift farming practices, as well as promote the cultural celebration of the new yam in the Southeast.
