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Prof. Gregory Ibe, a recently appointed member of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide Advisory Council, has pleaded with President Muhammadu Buhari to free Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the imprisoned leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, in response to several pleas from prominent Nigerians.
According to him, doing so would earn Buhari a spot in the Igbo Hall of Fame and serve as a parting gift to Ndigbo.
"Passionate Intercession For Compassionate Release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu" was the heading of a private letter sent by Ibe in which the request was made.
Uturu, the founder of Gregory University, claimed that Ndigbo had been making contributions to Nigeria's progress, but he also claimed that Kanu's protracted arrest had compounded the Igbos' long-standing disenchantment with how they are viewed or handled in Nigeria.
"While I recognize that some of his actions, inactions, and language have raised concerns, it is important to keep in mind that discourse and engagement are preferable to prolonged confinement for resolving such issues.
"You have the opportunity to show magnanimity, statesmanship, and to foster an inclusive mindset among the Igbo people by freeing Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
"It would show that the Nigerian government, under your leadership, values the worries and aspirations of all its citizens, regardless of ethnicity," Ibé stated.
He emphasized to President Buhari that Kanu's release will advance national healing, reconciliation, and togetherness as Nigeria moves forward. He said that it would also aid in building a more powerful and prosperous Nigerian nation and address the rising agitation in some parts of the country.
He recounted how people like Asari Dokubo, Government Tompolo, and Sunday Igboho had merged and realigned themselves back to the social mission of nation-building after being released from incarceration.
He said that they were now working to bring about peace in their areas and he pleaded with the outgoing President to free Kanu so that calm could return to the South-East.
