…Proposes South-East monarchs, led by Obi of Onitsha, sign security undertaking
A fresh push for the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has emerged as a former spokesperson of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign in the South-East, Denge Josef Onoh, appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider a political solution.
In a statement on Saturday, Onoh urged the President to grant Kanu freedom on compassionate and strategic grounds, by handing him over to two eminent Igbo leaders: Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, and Senator John Azuta-Mbata, President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
Onoh said Kanu’s prolonged detention since his rendition from Kenya in 2021 had worsened insecurity in the South-East and allowed criminals to exploit the IPOB struggle.
He argued that releasing him under credible custodianship would help “separate genuine agitators from bandits, restore investor confidence, and de-escalate tensions in the region.”
The former APC campaign spokesman commended Tinubu for recent security breakthroughs, including the conviction of a Finland-based factional IPOB leader, and lauded National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu for his role.
He insisted that Kanu’s release would serve both humanitarian and national interest objectives.
“I respectfully urge Mr President to exercise your constitutional powers of prerogative of mercy and release Mazi Kanu unconditionally but with a deliberate handover into the personal custody of two exemplary figures: Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu and Senator John Azuta-Mbata,” Onoh stated.
He said Bianca Ojukwu was not only the widow of Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, symbol of Igbo identity, but also a federal minister with the “moral authority and diplomatic finesse” to guide Kanu toward constructive dialogue. Onoh added that she had consistently argued for his release as a way of reclaiming Igboland from violent criminals.
On Senator Azuta-Mbata, Onoh said the Ohanaeze leader represented “the authentic voice of Ndigbo” and had advocated a political solution to the Kanu case, noting his appeals for equity and reconciliation. Unlike partisan politicians, Onoh said, the duo were insulated from 2027 electoral politics and could manage Kanu’s reintegration responsibly.
He warned against leaving Kanu’s fate in the hands of South-East politicians, whom he accused of exploiting the crisis for personal gain.
As an additional safeguard, Onoh proposed that the Obi of Onitsha should lead South-East traditional rulers to sign an undertaking with the NSA and heads of security agencies, guaranteeing oversight and peace commitments.
He stressed that such a gesture from Tinubu would “fortify the Renewed Hope agenda, honour the South-East’s contributions to democracy, and prove that Nigeria’s unity thrives on justice, not coercion.”
