By BIANCA OJUKWU
- Minister Calls for Freedom of IPOB Leader to Distinguish Freedom Fighters from Criminals
- Bianca Ojukwu Highlights the Need to Reclaim Southeast from Violence and Insecurity
- Tinubu’s Action on Kanu’s Release Seen as Key to Southeast Unity and Progress
Bianca Ojukwu Expresses Confidence in Tinubu’s Action on Nnamdi Kanu
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has expressed optimism that President Bola Tinubu will approve the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Speaking at the 13th memorial anniversary of Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu in Owerri on Tuesday, Ojukwu emphasized the critical role Kanu’s release could play in separating genuine freedom fighters from criminal elements exploiting his detention to sow chaos in the Southeast.
“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 stated.
Unifying the Igbo Race: Bianca Ojukwu’s Call for Action
Delivering her remarks on the theme “Unifying the Igbo Race,” Ojukwu lamented the rising violence and insecurity that have plagued the Southeast. She highlighted how the region, once known for its vibrancy and enterprise, is now marked by empty communities and displaced residents.
“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 said.
Ojukwu also decried the imposition of violent “sit-at-home” orders, which have stifled the region’s economic growth and contradicted the ideals of self-determination.
Appeal to Tinubu for Southeast Stability
Ojukwu strongly urged President Tinubu to release Kanu, emphasizing the need to expose those using IPOB as a guise to perpetrate violence. She expressed confidence in the president’s understanding of the situation and his ability to act decisively.
“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 pledged.
Her call aligns with the growing demand from Southeast stakeholders for Kanu’s release as a step toward addressing the region’s insecurity and fostering unity.
A Call to Reclaim the Southeast
Bianca Ojukwu reiterated the importance of reclaiming the ideals of Dim Ojukwu, urging the Igbo people to unite and rebuild their region.
“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.”
Her plea adds to mounting pressure on the federal government to address the Southeast crisis through dialogue and decisive action.
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