The United Igbo Elders Council Worldwide has called on President Bola Tinubu to release the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, as a Christmas and New Year gift to Ndigbo.
UNIEC emphasized that Mazi Kanu’s release would mark a monumental achievement for the Tinubu-led administration and serve as a symbolic gesture of goodwill, fostering healing, unity, and peace across the Southeast and the nation at large.
In a statement signed by UNIEC Director General, His Lordship Justice Alpha Ikpeama, and Director of Media and Publicity, Prof. Obasi Igwe, the elders explained that the continued detention of Mazi Kanu had compelled them to postpone their Igbo Achievers Legacy Award, originally scheduled for December 2024, to April 2025.
The statement noted, “The release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu represents a crucial step toward rebuilding trust and collaboration between the Southeast and the federal government. It will serve as a symbolic gesture of goodwill, reigniting the spirit of inclusivity and enhancing dialogue necessary for resolving pressing regional and national challenges.”
UNIEC declared its full support for the ongoing dialogue and calls from various Igbo groups and individuals seeking Kanu’s release. They expressed solidarity with the efforts of leaders, including the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, who assured of Kanu’s imminent release.
The statement further read, “In light of the recent assurances from Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu regarding the imminent release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the United Igbo Elders Council extends its full support to this noble cause.”
“UNIEC commends the ongoing high-level dialogues and reiterates its appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR to act decisively by facilitating Kanu’s release. Such an act will not only be a monumental achievement for the Tinubu administration, but also serve as the best Christmas gift to Ndigbo, fostering healing, unity, and peace across the Southeast and the nation at large.”
The elders further emphasized that the release of Kanu would restore trust between the Southeast and the federal government, ultimately contributing to national reconciliation and peace.
“To our esteemed leaders, we urge all stakeholders, political leaders, and well-meaning Nigerians to intensify their efforts and prayers toward ensuring Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s freedom. We believe that granting Kanu freedom will underscore the President’s commitment to national reconciliation and strengthen his legacy as a unifier and statesman.”
UNIEC also announced the postponement of its Legacy Awards, highlighting that celebrations can only occur when justice and equity prevail.
“This decision reflects our unwavering commitment to the plight of Ndigbo and our belief that true celebrations can only occur when justice and equity prevail,” the statement concluded.
The elders called on all stakeholders to collaborate toward restoring hope, unity, and peace to the Southeast and Nigeria as a whole.
