Denge Josef Onoh, former campaign spokesman for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Southeast, has passionately appealed to President Bola Tinubu to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), into the custody of Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, and Senator John Azuta Mbata, President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
In a detailed statement, Onoh proposed that Kanu’s release be secured through a bail bond signed by the National Security Adviser (NSA) and traditional rulers from the Southeast, led by the Obi of Onitsha, HRH Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, with each state governor nominating their respective council chairmen.
He emphasized that Bianca and Mbata’s impeccable integrity, non-partisan stance, and deep connection to Igbo heritage make them ideal custodians to oversee Kanu’s reintegration, preventing the politicization of his release ahead of the 2027 elections.
Onoh clarified that his nomination of Bianca was not due to personal ties but her symbolic role as the widow of Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the revered Biafran leader, and her diplomatic position, which equips her to bridge federal and regional divides.
Similarly, he praised Mbata’s leadership in Ohanaeze Ndigbo, noting his commitment to civic engagement and democratic values over separatist rhetoric.Citing President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, Onoh argued that Kanu’s release would align with the administration’s focus on inclusive governance and conflict resolution.
He highlighted the prolonged detention of Kanu since his 2021 rendition from Kenya, charged with terrorism and treasonable felony, as a source of heightened insecurity in the Southeast, enabling criminals to exploit separatist sentiments for violence and economic sabotage.
Onoh commended Tinubu’s diplomatic efforts, alongside NSA Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, in addressing threats like the Finland-based leader of IPOB’s armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
He framed Kanu’s release as a strategic move to de-escalate tensions, distinguish genuine agitators from bandits, and restore investor confidence in the region.
“Releasing Mazi Kanu to these trusted figures would transform a divisive issue into a unifying gesture,” Onoh said, urging Tinubu to exercise his prerogative of mercy.
“This would honor the Southeast’s contributions to Nigeria’s democracy and prove that unity thrives on justice, not coercion.”
He pledged his support for the process and called for swift action to advance peace and stability.
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