Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, has expressed support for President Tinubu’s decision to consider releasing Nnamdi Kanu from detention.
According to a press release issued on Thursday and signed by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Secretary General of the organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo disclosed that the anticipated date for Kanu’s release is December 2023.
The organisation said the president’s decision would have “significant implications for the political landscape in the Southeast.” The group also warned against any attempt by “mischievous Igbo political elites and deviant opportunists” to take credit for Kanu’s release.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo urges President Tinubu not to entertain any visits or demands from these individuals,” the press release said. “The credit for Kanu’s release should solely be attributed to him.”
The group also said that Kanu’s release would “gradually diminish the rising popularity of both Peter Obi and Simon Ekpa in the Southeast.”
“Politically, the Igbo nation will consider President Tinubu as a viable candidate over Peter Obi in the 2027 elections,” the organisation added in the press release.
“Additionally, from a security perspective, Ekpa’s disruptive activities and terrorist tendencies in the Southeast will be consigned to the annals of history.”
Ohanaeze Ndigbo urged President Tinubu to remain resolute in his decision-making process regarding Kanu’s release.
“We assure him that the Igbo nation stands behind him,” the press release said. “We trust that he will handle this matter with utmost care and consideration.”