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From Godwin Tsa Abuja
A former Attorney General of Imo State, Chukwuma-Machukwu Ume (SAN) has joined calls for the political release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu as the cases of Oduduwa nation’s activist, Sunday Ogboho and Miyetti Allah president, Abdullahi Bello Dadejo, to facilitate his freedom as part of efforts to restore peace in the South -East.
Ume, who also doubles as Rapporteur, Victims of Persecution noted that the early release of Nmandi Kanu by President Bola Tinubu will not be a sign of weakness, but a demonstration of political wisdom and statesmanship.
He made the appeal in an open letter to President Bola Tinubu, titled: “Healing the wounds in our Nation-building efforts and matching Nigeria towards a new sustainable nation.”
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria who drew the attention of the president to Kanu’s travails dating back to October 14, 2015, when he was arrested by operatives of the Department of Security Service (DSS) over some terrorism-related allegations to when he was arraigned in court on October 23, 2015, lamented that the IPOB leader is fast becoming a prisoner of conscience.
While advocating for the early release of Kanu added that doing so will not only de-escalate tensions in the South -East, but also presents an opportunity to turn a new page in the nation’s history -one that priorities peace, justice and the collective well-being of all citizens.
Already the letter dated February 24, 2025 has been received by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi on behalf of the President.
The letter further drew the attention of president Tinubu to similar agitations in other parts of the country, notably in the South West and Niger Delta, where the government has exercised wonderful discretion to de-escalate tensions and promote dialogue.
Ume specifically referenced to the cases of Sunday Ogboho, the Oduduwa nation activist, Abdullahi Bello Dadejo (who despite alleged security concerns tied to their activities and Nigerians living in IDP camps in their father lands), benefited from the AGF’s nolle prosequi, leading to the withdrawal of charges against him, and in the Niger Delta where the government has overtime adopted programmes to address long-standing grievances, rather that incarceration of key figures.
Parts of the letter reads: “Your Excellency, I believe that a political, peaceful, and reconciliatory approach will serve the country better and provide a robust steps towards healing national wounds, restoring economic stability, and reaffirming our commitment to unity in diversity.
“Your Excellency, great leaders are not defined by their ability to suppress opposition, but their ability to unify, heal, and reconcile. The release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu will not be a sign of weakness, but a demonstration of political wisdom and statesmanship. It presents an opportunity to turn a new page in Nigeria’s history -one that priorities peace, justice, and the collective well-being of all citizens. His evolving perspectives, shaped by time and reflection, can be harnessed as a valuable resource in our journey towards a more unified and prosperous nation.
In further urging the President to consider the escalating security crisis in the South -East, which is “tragically transforming into a theatre of war following Knau’s incarceration, Ume appealed to him to “reflect on the pleas of our late Sages -Chief Mbazurike Amaechi; Prof. George Achulike Obiozo, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyawu; Chief Ayo Adebanjo and Chief Edwin Clerk, who spent their final years advocating for peace, unity, national healing and requesting for his release. Their voices, though now silent, remain an enduring call for statesmanship and fairness.”
He equally called on Tinubu to consider the various court decisions and passionate appeals by international communities and bodies including the United Nations Working Group which have all demanded for the release of the detained IPOB leader.
English (US) ·