‘I’ll Do Whatever It Takes for Tinubu to Release Nnamdi Kanu’ – Bianca Ojukwu

Nigeria’s newly appointed Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, has vowed to do everything within her power to ensure President Bola Tinubu releases the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

Bianca, the widow of the late Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu—who led the 1967 Biafran secessionist movement during Nigeria’s civil war—made the declaration while speaking at the 13th memorial anniversary of her husband’s death in Owerri. Odumegwu Ojukwu, regarded as a symbol of Igbo identity and resilience, passed away on November 26, 2011, at 78 years old.

During the event themed “Unifying the Igbo Race,” Bianca emphasised that Nnamdi Kanu’s continued detention since his arrest in Kenya and repatriation to Nigeria in 2021 has exacerbated unrest in the Southeast. She noted that Kanu’s release is crucial for exposing criminals who exploit his name to sow chaos in the region.

“President Tinubu understands the importance of Kanu’s release. It will expose the masqueraders behind the violence and help restore order,” she said. “I will do whatever it takes to ensure His Excellency grants this request.”

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Nnamdi Kanu, a controversial figure and the leader of IPOB, has been detained for over three years, facing charges related to terrorism and treasonable felony. His arrest has intensified agitation in the Southeast, with violent sit-at-home orders, kidnappings, and attacks on communities disrupting life and commerce. Various groups and leaders have consistently argued that his freedom is key to calming tensions.

Bianca Ojukwu lamented the deteriorating state of the Southeast, contrasting it with the ideals her late husband fought for.

“Our communities are empty. Our illustrious sons and daughters have fled. Kidnappers now abduct their brothers for ransom. This is not what Dim Ojukwu fought for,” she said.

She further condemned the imposition of sit-at-home orders, which have paralyzed economic activities in the region.

“The Igbo are an enterprising people and their brother’s keepers. These orders contradict the very ideals of self-determination.”

Reiterating her commitment to Nnamdi Kanu’s release, Bianca stated:

“The release of Nnamdi Kanu is paramount to separating genuine freedom fighters from criminals causing mayhem in the Southeast. Our people face existential threats, and we must act to restore peace.”