The Igede people of the Lower Benue State of Nigeria have pleaded with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to, as a matter of conscience, release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to uphold justice, equity and fairness.
In a special appeal letter to the President, signed by the Conveners, Obo Mike Omenka – Chairman and Agori Dennis Eka – Secretary, the natives informed the President that the unjust detention of the Independent People of Biafra, IPOB leader “has left lives in perpetual trauma, properties in constant shambles, and has resulted in significant economic shortfalls in the South Eastern Region and Nigeria as a whole”.
Parts of the letter read, “We, the Igede Natives, write to profoundly appeal to your sense of justice and integrity, urging you to take swift action in effecting the immediate release of Maxi Nnamdi Kanu from unjust detention. It is no longer news that, Maxi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been unlawfully arrested and detained by the Nigerian government for advocating civil rights and the emancipation of the Indigenous People of Biafra.
“Having been charged to Court, faced the rigor of criminal trial, Maxi Nnamdi Kanu was discharged and acquitted by Courts of competent jurisdictions, even the appellate Court, Nigeria government under the previous administration in contemptuous and flagrant disregard to rule of law and natural Justice yet continually kept Maxi Nnamdi Kanu in detention, causing civil unrest not only in the South East but across the entire country. This unjust situation has left lives in perpetual trauma, properties in constant shambles, and has resulted in significant economic shortfalls in the South Eastern Region and Nigeria as a whole.
“We firmly believe that no government can thrive on a foundation of injustice. A region that feels marginalized and voices its grievances deserves genuine inclusiveness or the right to demand freedom. Denying them these fundamental human rights is a stain on our democracy.
“Therefore, we appeal not only to you, Mr. President, but also to advocates of civil liberty, human rights, civil society organizations around the world to raise their voices against this injustice that plagues our collective peace. We feel strongly that the release of Maxi Nnamdi Kanu would bring lasting peace to the South East and contribute to robust economic development in Nigeria.
“We stand in solidarity with the Eastern part of our nation, which is currently in dire need of a voice of reason to prevent further descent into chaos and oblivion. The situation on the ground is evident, with valleys raging, creeks getting muddier, and the path to daily hustles becoming increasingly slippery. People are living in horror and facing unimaginable hardships for a cause within the realm of humanity.
“Mr. President, we urge you to set Maxi Nnamdi Kanu free. By doing so, you will not only bring hope and freedom to the Igbo people but also demonstrate your commitment as the father of our nation to upholding justice, equity, and fairness.
“A man unjustly silenced during civil proceedings is an affront to the very essence of justice. A region relegated to the background in national dialogue is a testament to the height of inequality. Witnessing the violation of human rights by the very institutions meant to protect them is the epitome of unfairness”.
Advising the Igbo political leaders, the natives pleaded, “we implore you to embark on a journey of soul-searching and self-realization. Show sincere support to quell this festering injustice, as exploiting it for personal political gains is an apparent shame. We challenge all Igbo political leaders to wield their red caps, Ofors, scepters, and all royal insignias, taking a bold stand to engage relevant institutions and authorities to expedite the release of Maxi Nnamdi Kanu.
“To the Igbo intellectuals, we ask, how long will you stand idle while a finger is poked into your eyes? Engage in critical conversations to advocate for the speedy freedom of Chief Nnamdi Kanu, who courageously challenged the ongoing marginalization of your region. A united civil movement demanding Maxi Nnamdi Kanu’s release will restore hope to the common Igbo person, safeguard their freedom of expression, life, and association.
“We stand United in the pursuit of justice and peace, we implore all well meaning Nigerians to lend their voices and support to the resounding call for the immediate release of Maxi Nnamdi Kanu”.
In conclusion, they prayed for lasting peace in the South Eastern Region, demanding, “Release Maxi Nnamdi Kanu to enable him to address his deteriorating health challenge adequately, create a robust economic baseline in the South Eastern Region to boost its development, re-integrate the region into the national fold and find a permanent solution to the burning issues in the Eastern Region and establish a conflict resolution council aimed at unearthing the bond that will foster understanding and harmony among the diverse ethnic groups in Nigeria.
“We sincerely hope that you will heed our appeal and take prompt action to uphold justice, peace, and unity in our great nation”.
The Igede people are a Nigerian ethnic group in Lower Benue State of Nigeria and are native to the Oju and Obi local government areas of Nigeria.
