By Richard Ogunsile

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has said she will do whatever it takes to ensure that President Bola Tinubu releases the embattled leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

Naija News reports that the Minister stated this during the 13th memorial anniversary of the late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu held in Owerri on Tuesday.

Bianca Ojukwu articulated her conviction that President Tinubu recognizes the significance of Kanu’s release.

She contended that releasing Kanu would unveil the criminal elements that have exploited his detention to commit serious offences in the Southeast.

In her address-themed “Unifying the Igbo Race,” Bianca Ojukwu urged an end to the violence afflicting the Southeast, highlighting that the Igbo people are not characterized by inflicting harm upon one another. She underscored the need for united efforts to restore regional safety and order.

“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,” she said.

The Minister regretted that years after the passing of Dim Odumegwu Ojukwu, her husband, the Southeast has become a region marked by violence and insecurity, forcing many to flee their homes.

“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.

Bianca Ojukwu emphasized the importance of President Tinubu granting freedom to Nnamdi Kanu, arguing that his release would aid in uncovering the criminals who are concealing themselves within IPOB to perpetrate violence.

“President Tinubu understands the importance of Kanu’s release. It will expose the masqueraders behind the violence and help restore order. I will do whatever it takes to ensure His Excellency grants this request,” she stated, decrying the imposition of violent “sit-at-home” orders in the Southeast, which she said contradict the ideals of self-determination and have stifled economic activities in the region.

“Ndigbo are enterprising and their brother’s keepers. We must reclaim our land and continue to propagate the ideals for which Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu stood,” the Minister added.

Naija News reports that Bianca Ojukwu’s call adds to the growing clamour for the release of Nnamdi Kanu to address insecurity and foster unity in the Southeast.