Nnamdi Kanu's Release: Igbo Leader Calls for Diplomacy, Warns Against Politicization

A prominent Igbo leader, Chike Obidigbo, has cautioned against politicizing the call for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), emphasizing that Kanu's situation is a security issue that requires a diplomatic approach. Obidigbo, an industrialist and President of Osisioma Foundation, expressed dismay at the way some Igbo politicians are handling the demand for Kanu's release, stating that their actions are worsening the situation.

In a statement released on Sunday, July 7, in Awka, Anambra State, Obidigbo urged South East politicians to avoid compounding the travails of the IPOB leader. He noted that the delicate nature of Kanu's incarceration requires a strategic and measured approach to achieve a political solution.

Obidigbo criticized some Igbo politicians for seeking to gain political mileage from the popular demand for Kanu's release, stating that their actions were driven by ignorance and self-interest. He emphasized that President Bola Tinubu is not entirely responsible for Kanu's detention and that the matter is more complex than a simple political decision.

"It is obvious that President Bola Tinubu is not entirely the one holding Nnamdi Kanu. It was not even former President Muhammadu Buhari nor his erstwhile Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami (SAN). All the AGFs, including the current one, are mere legal officers for the government," Obidigbo said.

He stressed that the current approach of politicizing the issue is counterproductive and called for a more measured and strategic approach to securing Kanu's release. Obidigbo suggested that the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, should be involved in the process, as Kanu's matter is a security issue.

Obidigbo also highlighted the role of international powers in Kanu's detention, particularly Britain, where Kanu is a citizen. He alleged that Britain was involved in the international conspiracy to lure Kanu to Kenya, where he was kidnapped and renditioned to Nigeria. He criticized the British High Commissioner in Nigeria for not speaking out against Kanu's violent kidnap and rendition.

"Britain continues to see Nigeria as their own fertile farmland for free economic exploitation and political manipulation. They have no wish to relax their stranglehold, not now, not in the near future," Obidigbo said.

He warned that if Kanu is released on political grounds, the struggle for Biafra will likely continue. Obidigbo emphasized that genuine efforts to free Kanu should be directed at the National Security Adviser, as well as the Ambassadors of Britain, the USA, and other influential countries like China and Russia.

"Without the buy-in of those powerful nations, the struggle will surely continue, until Biafra gets the referendum that IPOB has been demanding, however, they get it," Obidigbo said.

Obidigbo's statement highlights the complexity of Kanu's case and the need for a diplomatic approach to secure his release. The involvement of international powers and the security implications of Kanu's detention require a strategic and measured approach, rather than politicization and grandstanding. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether the calls for Kanu's release will be heeded and whether a political solution can be achieved.