South-East Must Be Law-Abiding, Appreciative — Umahi on Kanu Release

Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has spelled out the attitude the South-East region should adopt in the push for the release of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu. He emphasized that patience, respect, and obedience to law are vital as political negotiations unfold.

Umahi’s Message at Abia Project Launch

While representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the commissioning of multiple infrastructure projects executed by Governor Alex Otti in Abia State, Umahi urged regional citizens to maintain calm and decorum. He said the South-East must act lawfully and show gratitude to facilitate expectations around Kanu’s release

Political Advocacy and Regional Cooperation

Umahi highlighted that governors, senators, and House of Representatives members from the region — plus ministers even beyond the South-East — are quietly working on a political pathway. But he cautioned that such efforts would be undermined if citizens resort to unrest or disrespect. “We must be law abiding and appreciative. The President has love for the South East and is listening,” he said.

During the same event, Governor Otti declared that he is personally engaging with the president, who is “favorably disposed” to resolving Kanu’s case. He expressed confidence that Kanu’s freedom is not far.

Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe of Abia South added his voice, publicly petitioning President Tinubu to free Kanu, noting that doing so would promote stability in the region.

Nnamdi Kanu’s Detention and Legal Challenges

Kanu has been held by the Department of State Services (DSS) in Abuja since June 2021, following his extradition from Kenya. His detention has persisted despite various court rulings and even a United Nations advisory opinion that questioned the legality of parts of the detention. The federal government, however, maintains prosecutorial grounds tied to treason-related charges.