Mrs. Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, has urged the people of Nigeria’s Southeast region to adopt peaceful strategies and open dialogue in response to the recent imprisonment of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). She emphasized that resorting to violent measures, including the use of knives or firearms, is neither acceptable nor productive in addressing political or social disputes. Speaking at the 14th Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Memorial Day Celebration, which took place at the Ojukwu Memorial Library in Owerri on Wednesday, Mrs. Ojukwu highlighted the importance of non-violent approaches in resolving conflicts. She stressed that the legacy of her late father, Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, reflects principles of dialogue, negotiation, and peaceful advocacy. Mrs. Ojukwu’s message comes at a time of heightened tensions in the Southeast following the incarceration of Nnamdi Kanu, a prominent activist whose leadership of IPOB has been both influential and controversial. While acknowledging the strong emotions and deep-rooted concerns within the region, the Minister encouraged community leaders and citizens alike to prioritize discussion and engagement over confrontation. She further advised that constructive dialogue, rather than armed struggle, remains the most effective tool for achieving social and political objectives. This, she noted, ensures the protection of lives, promotes unity, and preserves the dignity of the Southeast people. Her call resonates with national efforts aimed at fostering peace and stability, particularly in areas historically affected by agitation for autonomy. Mrs. Ojukwu concluded her address by urging all stakeholders to emulate the example of Chief Odumegwu Ojukwu, who championed peaceful negotiation and strategic diplomacy during critical periods of Nigeria’s history. She emphasized that the values of patience, understanding, and respectful discourse must guide contemporary efforts to address grievances and conflicts in the region. By advocating for dialogue over violence, Bianca Ojukwu’s remarks seek to redirect public sentiment toward solutions that strengthen regional cohesion, encourage lawful advocacy, and prevent unnecessary bloodshed. Her stance underscores the potential of negotiation and community engagement in achieving meaningful progress and justice in contemporary Nigeria.
A coalition of prominent Igbo leaders has strongly decried the ongoing detention of the pro-Biafran freedom advocate, Nnamdi Kanu, especially given the Nigerian government’s recent welcoming stance toward the deadly Boko Haram insurgents under the pretext of repentance and amnesty reintegration. The group criticized the federal authorities for allegedly doling out huge financial incentives to bandits, describing it as a failed appeasement strategy that risks further weakening the legitimacy of the Nigerian state as well as its security architecture. Issuing a press statement on Monday, the Igbo leaders demanded the unconditional and immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu, who they insist has suffered an unjust and unfair incarceration over the past four years solely for pursuing the legitimate right to self-determination on behalf of himself and the Igbo community. Their grievance lies in the stark contradiction: the same federal government that is willing to rehabilitate and reintegrate Boko Haram terrorists who have taken up arms against defenseless Nigerians, refuses to extend a similar olive branch to Nnamdi Kanu, a nonviolent agitator who never declared war against the Nigerian state. The statement bore the signatures of respected figures including Ben Nwankwo and Evans Nwankwo, Executive Directors of Ambassador for Self-Determination USA; AVID President Syvester Onyia; as well as members of Rising Sun Group, represented by Maxwell Dede and Father Odimegwa. Portions of the statement underlined the group’s frustration, declaring: “In what can only be described as an extraordinary hypocrisy, Nigeria’s federal government has embarked on a policy of rehabilitating and re-absorbing Boko Haram insurgents into mainstream society. At the same time, the government is spending vast sums of public funds to placate bandits through financial settlements, a deeply flawed tactic that erodes its own authority and compromises the nation’s security. On the other hand, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, a determined freedom fighter committed to the cause of self-determination, remains unjustly locked away for courageously defending his people’s rights and dignity. The international community cannot, and must not, ignore this grave injustice. The continued imprisonment of Mazi Kanu is fueling a powerful wave of outrage across the world, demanding immediate intervention and redress. The recent condemnation of the Kenyan authorities by the global community for their role in the illegal abduction and extraordinary rendition of Mazi Kanu on Kenyan soil is indeed commendable. However, this action is merely the beginning in the long march to justice. There must be full investigation and accountability for all the Nigerian and Kenyan operatives who facilitated this brazen violation of international law. Until this injustice is corrected, we continue to call for the immediate and unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. Our collective voice will never be silenced. We stand in unwavering solidarity for justice, human dignity, and the fundamental right to self-determination for every people.” By drawing attention to the contradictions in the government’s approach to security and conflict resolution, the Igbo leaders have amplified the call for justice for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. They argue that as long as armed insurgents can be reintegrated under government programs, a peaceful agitator like Kanu deserves no less than a fair hearing and an unconditional release from incarceration. The powerful statement continues to resonate among rights activists, legal advocates, and the global Igbo community who see Kanu’s continued detention as a troubling symbol of double standards in Nigeria’s justice system.
