Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, has expressed optimism that President Bola Tinubu will take steps to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Her remarks were made during the 13th memorial event for the late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, held in Owerri on Tuesday.
During the event themed “Unifying the Igbo Race,” Ambassador Ojukwu emphasized that Kanu’s release is essential for addressing the challenges of insecurity and criminal activities in the Southeast region. She stated that criminals have exploited Kanu’s prolonged detention as an excuse to carry out violent acts under the guise of IPOB.
“The release of Nnamdi Kanu is paramount to separating genuine freedom fighters from criminals causing mayhem in the Southeast. Our people face existential threats, and we must act to restore peace,” she said.
Ojukwu expressed concern over the rising violence in the region, which she said has caused significant displacement of people and economic stagnation. According to her, communities in the Southeast are now plagued by insecurity, with many residents fleeing their homes due to kidnappings and other criminal activities.
“Communities are empty. Our illustrious sons and daughters have fled. Kidnappers now abduct their brothers for ransom. This is not what Dim Ojukwu fought for,” she lamented.
Bianca Ojukwu also criticized the imposition of violent “sit-at-home” orders by certain factions, saying these actions harm the region’s economy and contradict the principles of self-determination. She called for a collective effort to reclaim the Southeast from criminal elements.
“Ndigbo are enterprising and their brother’s keepers. We must reclaim our land and continue to propagate the ideals for which Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu stood,” she urged.
Ojukwu further expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s ability to address this issue, noting that his leadership could pave the way for peace and stability.
“President Tinubu understands the importance of Kanu’s release. It will expose the masqueraders behind the violence and help restore order. I will do whatever it takes to ensure His Excellency grants this request,” she stated.
