A Renewed Call for Justice: WIC Urges Tinubu to Free Nnamdi Kanu
Tinubu Should Release Nnamdi Kanu, World Igbo Congress Issues Fresh Demand
The World Igbo Congress (WIC) has reignited the call for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). At its recent convention in Boston, Massachusetts, WIC Chairman Festus Okere urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to act decisively, describing Kanu as a freedom fighter rather than a criminal.
Okere declared that for Nigeria to truly thrive, “tribes must die” and equity, justice, and fairness must guide governance. His message resonated as both a political demand and a cultural awakening for Igbos worldwide.
Why the Call for Release Is Stronger Than Ever
1. Democracy and Tinubu’s Legacy
Tinubu, once hailed as a pro-democracy activist, is being challenged to demonstrate consistency by freeing Kanu. WIC believes this move would solidify his image as a president who values justice and national reconciliation.
2. Legal and Human Rights Concerns
Nnamdi Kanu’s arrest and rendition from Kenya in 2021 sparked global criticism. Recently, a Kenyan High Court ruled that his transfer was unlawful and unconstitutional, amplifying calls for his release.
3. Symbol of Igbo Marginalization
Okere emphasized that Igbos have faced systematic exclusion since the civil war. Kanu’s continued detention is viewed as symbolic of this marginalization, despite the Igbo’s historic role in Nigeria’s independence and nation-building.
4. Cultural Reawakening
Beyond politics, the speech carried a spiritual tone, urging Igbos in Nigeria and the diaspora to “wake up,” reclaim their values, and unite for justice.
Wider Reactions Across Nigeria
- Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural group, has consistently demanded Kanu’s freedom, describing his detention as a “moral burden” on the Nigerian state.
- Human rights groups in Nigeria and abroad argue that continued detention, despite multiple favorable court rulings, undermines the rule of law.
- Grassroots Igbo organizations see Kanu’s freedom as a step toward healing longstanding ethnic wounds.
International Spotlight
Kanu’s case has drawn attention far beyond Nigeria’s borders:
- Diaspora Support: Pro-Biafra groups across Europe and the United States have staged rallies demanding his release.
- Legal Observers: International lawyers and rights bodies, including Amnesty International, have questioned the legality of his detention.
- Global Implications: Analysts suggest Kanu’s release could improve Nigeria’s human rights image and ease tensions in the South-East.
- The renewed push by the World Igbo Congress could reignite national debate. For Tinubu, the decision carries political, legal, and historical weight:
- Releasing Kanu may open doors to reconciliation, improve Igbo trust in government, and project Tinubu as a reformer.
- Continued detention risks deepening mistrust and prolonging unrest in the South-East region.
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