Abuja, NIGERIA — Nigerian officials say Federal Government is planning to release Nnamdi Kanu from DSS Detention in a bid to promote national dialogue and end killings in the South East Nigeria.
President Bola Tinubu may have finally decided to free Nnamdi Kanu, the British-Nigerian secessionist fighting for the independence of defunct Biafra from Nigeria.
Though there is no official report yet from the Presidency, but reliable sources who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief reporters, say President Tinubu has decided to free Nnamdi Kanu, who was renditioned from Kanya to Nigeria by Department of State Security, DSS in 2021.
Several courts in Nigeria have discharged and acquitted him of allegations. But the country apex court, Supreme Court, is expedited to rule on the matter in December.
The surprise move is allegedly coming amidst several requests by some Igbo leaders to Present Tinubu.
According to the source, the President believes that the key to lasting unity is dialogue and President Tinubu will make any sacrifices to this end.
“His release will end the killings in the South East and pave the way for a lasting solution to Nigeria’s problems in a peaceful, non-violent way… especially with the aim of making the all-inclusive national unity a success,” he said.
But there was no mention of meeting Nnamdi Kanu face to face.
For months, diplomats from the United States, Europe and neighboring African nations have urged President Tinubu, privately and in public, to free Nnamdi Kanu and open peace talks with other separatist groups.
The apex Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, expressed confidence in a possible release of the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, before the end of 2023, following ongoing confidential negotiations between the body and relevant authorities.
As a result, the body has urged all pro-Biafran agitators to stop hostilities against the Federal Government for 40 days, starting from October 31.
In a statement on Sunday by its Secretary General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Ohanaeze said it was imperative that all pro-Biafra agitators exhibit discipline during this crucial period in order to ensure progress in the ongoing negotiations.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the preeminent socio-cultural organisation representing the Igbo people, is pleased to announce its foresight regarding ongoing confidential negotiations that indicate the possibility of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of IPOB, regaining his freedom by the end of the year 2023.
“However, in order to facilitate progress in this matter, Ohanaeze Ndigbo urges Biafra agitators to uphold a ceasefire for a period of 40 days, abstaining from any offensive aggression commencing on October 31, 2023. It is imperative that Biafra agitators exhibit discipline during this crucial period.
“The primary challenge we currently face is ensuring that the Biafra agitators cease all offensive aggression for 40 days, as this will pave the way for the desired solutions to secure the release of Nnamdi Kanu.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo firmly believes that engaging with all relevant authorities through diplomatic channels remains the most effective approach to achieve the desired results.
“We implore Ndigbo to exercise patience and understanding throughout this critical period. We acknowledge the pain and hardship endured by the people of the South-East since Nnamdi Kanu’s incarceration, and as custodians of our land, we assure you that positive outcomes are anticipated after the November 2023 Imo State governorship elections.”
The Ohanaeze said it was confident that Kanu’s release would “undoubtedly serve as a resounding surprise to the South-East people,” while appealing to Nigerians whom Kanu might have offended to embrace forgiveness and prioritise the greater interests of Nigeria.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo remains committed to working behind the scenes, rallying and mobilising all relevant parties to achieve this crucial objective.
“We humbly beseech Biafra agitators to remain calm and observe a ceasefire for 40 days. This period of abstinence from offensive aggression will significantly contribute to ongoing negotiations and enhance the prospects of Kanu’s release.”