On Friday Prof Gregory Ibe, the newly appointed member of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide Advisory Council, has appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to hearken to several calls from many eminent Nigerians and release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra.
Prof Ibe said that doing so could become a parting gift to Ndigbo and will also carve Buhari a place in the Igbo Hall of Fame.
He made the appeal in a personal letter titled, “Passionate Intercession For Compassionate Release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu”.
The founder of Gregory University, Uturu, who said that Ndigbo had been contributing to the development of Nigeria, however, said that Kanu’s prolonged detention had exacerbated the deep-seated disillusionment in the minds of the Igbos about the way they are valued or treated in Nigeria.
“While I acknowledge that there have been concerns regarding some of his actions, inactions and rhetoric, it is essential to remember that dialogue and engagement are preferable to protracted detention for addressing such issues.
“By releasing Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, you have the chance to demonstrate magnanimity, statesmanship, and to cultivate an inclusive attitude among the Igbo people.
“It would demonstrate that, under your leadership, the Nigerian government values the concerns and aspirations of all its citizens, regardless of ethnicity”, Ibe said
He reminded President Buhari that the release of Kanu would promote national healing, reconciliation, and unity as Nigeria proceeds forward, saying that it would also help in constructing a stronger and prosperous Nigerian nation, as well as address growing unrest in certain regions of the country.
He recalled how citizens like Asari Dokubo, Government Tompolo and Sunday Igboho, who upon release from detention, have integrated and realigned themselves back to the societal task of nation building.
He said they were now promoting peace in their regions and urged the outgoing President to release Kanu for peace to reign in the South-East.
