The President General of the Igbo Community Association in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Engr. Ikenna Ellis-Ezenekwe, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to heed the growing calls from Nigerians for the release of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
In a statement issued in Abuja, Ellis-Ezenekwe cautioned that the prolonged detention of Kanu, who has been held for over four years without conviction, is fueling mounting discontent among citizens across the country not just among the Igbo people.
“The cries for the release of the freedom fighter, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, have begun to reach a feverish pitch and may begin to pose a distraction to your administration if you fail to act timely.
“Nnamdi Kanu may become your Achilles heel if this unfolding ‘Free Nnamdi Kanu’ protest is not addressed properly in a democratic manner.”
Ellis-Ezenekwe reminded the President that Kanu’s detention followed his controversial abduction from Kenya and extradition to Nigeria, a move that has drawn condemnation from human rights groups and legal experts.
He urged Tinubu to exercise “executive wisdom” by resolving the matter politically and democratically.
“You are a clever and wise politician. No doubt about that. But you must also be a clever and wise President. Continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is not wise or clever,” he said.
The statement emphasized that many Nigerians believe Kanu’s continued detention is unjust, particularly since no court has found him guilty of any crime.
Ellis-Ezenekwe argued that it is not illegal for citizens to agitate for their rights in a democratic society, and that Kanu’s case has become a rallying point for broader calls for justice and fairness.
“A true democratic leader listens to his people. The people want Nnamdi Kanu to be freed. He deserves justice.
“Nigeria belongs to all of us.”Ellis-Ezenekwe added.