The Apex Igbo Sociocultural Organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has confirmed that there is an on-going dialogue between President Bola Tinubu and Igbo elders over the unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
The claim was contained in a press statement signed by the Deputy-President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro and National Spokesman, Chief Chimereze Thompson Ohia respectively.
They assured of positive development on the matter, adding that President Tinubu, the Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi and a select cadre of distinguished Igbo elders, have already advanced discussions on the matter on a positive note.
“This initiative is aimed at persuading President Tinubu to fully comprehend the paramount reasons necessitating the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu—a matter that domestic and international observers recognize as one of national urgency and reconciliation.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo feels compelled to convey this unvarnished message: significant preliminary negotiations are actively taking place that have opened constructive channels and viable pathways towards ensuring the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu, pending the outcome of the final judgment by the Federal High Court in Abuja.
“It is imperative to acknowledge the unembellished truth of this initiative, spearheaded by Sen. Umahi, a devoted ally of President Tinubu, in collaboration with a select few of our revered Igbo elders.
“This effort possesses both the authority and the blessing of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and the broader Igbo leadership, firmly dedicated to resolving this critical issue.
“It is critical to note that, at this preliminary stage, not all individuals, including Kanu’s associates, are engaged in these discussions; however, we affirm that Kanu’s representatives will be included to ensure full transparency and cooperative engagement among all parties in due course.
“We must explicitly communicate this bitter truth to those disparaging Senator Umahi or the Federal Government: such attacks either stem from a fundamental misunderstanding of Umahi’s advocacy for Kanu’s release or are sadly motivated by self-interest in Kanu’s continued incarceration.
“President Tinubu is expected to take decisive action regarding Nnamdi Kanu’s release following a thorough assessment of the on-going legal proceedings.
“It is incumbent upon Ohanaeze Ndigbo to convey this resounding message to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu: Do the right thing for the sake of posterity.
“Seize this moment to engrave your name in the annals of history, particularly in the hearts of the Igbo people, by facilitating the release of Nnamdi Kanu to Sen. Umahi and the esteemed cadre of Igbo elders.
“Let this historic release reverberate as a unifying shockwave across our nation, reaffirming our shared humanity and collective aspirations for peace and progress.”
