A former Secretary-General of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Dimm Uchechukwu Okwukwu, on Monday said the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, will make President Bola Tinubu a hero.
Okwukwu said Tinubu should order Kanu’s release because his matter is beyond the trial court.
In an open letter addressed to President Tinubu, Okwukwu said the president should release Kanu under any condition.
The letter reads: “I write this open letter to Your Excellency as a patriot and as someone who wishes your administration to succeed.
“Having observed your stellar efforts to direct the difficult affairs of the state and your commitment to the stability of the nation, I noticed one constant factor that will help in no small measure in assuring your success and a historic tenure.
“That one factor is the matter of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, whose continued detention is undoubtedly convulsing the Southeast, in particular, and the Nigerian polity in general.
“I am aware that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s matter is still pending trial in court.
But the question is this: Is trial the only way forward in resolving his matter? With due respect, I do not think so.
“Mazi Kanu’s matter is beyond the province of the courts because it is more of a political issue than a legal issue for the judiciary. As such, it lies within the executive prerogatives of the office of the President to exercise sound presidential discretion in bringing immediate closure to the matter, once and for all.
“Your Excellency, the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu bears more advantages than disadvantages, some of which are peace and tranquillity will return to Southeast and the law enforcement resources of the nation currently deployed to the Southeast will be freed and redeployed to fight more serious crimes like banditry and terrorism in Northern Nigeria.
“For the above reasons, I strongly and respectfully urge Your Excellency, without further ado, direct that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu be released unconditionally or under some other arrangements as Your Excellency may deem proper and fit in the circumstances of the matter.
“While thanking Your Excellency for your kind and prompt considerations, please be assured of my abiding regards for your high office.”
‘Releasing Nnamdi Kanu will make you hero’ – Ohanaeze chieftain writes Tinubu