By Kamil Opeyemi
The Ohanaeze Ndigbo has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to release the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu.
Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the new president of the apex Igbo socio-political group made this appeal on Thursday.
Iwuanyanwu made the appeal while speaking at the flag-off of the pre-dredging and hydrographic survey of the proposed sea access route of the Urashi-Oguta waterways through Degema to the Atlantic Ocean.
Iwuanyanwu while urging Prof. Yemi Osinbajo who graced the event dispelled fears that Igbos want to leave the country.
“Please, finally, our vice president, tell our brother and son, Buhari, that the Ohanaeze Ndigbo – the over 60 million Igbos – request that he should release Nnamdi Kanu,” he said
“Igbos are not seceding. I don’t see why anybody will say Igbos are seceding. Igbos are everywhere. We have investments. Are we going to leave our investments?”
According to him, President Buhari should make sure that Nnamdi Kanu have his freedom before he bows out of office.
“I want him (referring to President Muhammadu Buhari) to do it before he departs office on May 29th, 2023. Igbo nation will be very grateful if that is done.
Chief Iwuanyanwu also lauded Buhari for his love for the South-East which is reflected in the number of Federal Government projects in the region.
“I would like the vice president, when you go, tell Buhari we are very grateful. When he took office we were not happy, we complained. But today, at the point of departure, things have changed,” he noted.
“I can see that in most states a lot has been done. Here in Imo state, a lot has been done for us. So, I would like you to tell our son, Buhari, that we are very grateful. And I want Buhari to realize that he is an Igbo son, an honorary Igbo man.
“He has been honoured by some Igbo states. I think Imo State has honoured him, and Ebonyi has honoured him. Chieftancy title in Igbo land is taken very seriously. You have to help us tell Buhari that he is an Igbo son, he is a member of Ohaneze Ndi Igbo by this honour given to him and what I am speaking here today, I am also speaking on his behalf.
“We are very grateful for what he has done, but before he goes, whatever he can do to bring this project to succeed will be highly appreciated.”
Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Governor Hope Uzodinma, Ooni of Ife amongst others who graced the event.