Senator John Azuta-Mbata, the president general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has urged the federal government to free Nnamdi Kanu, the imprisoned leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra, so he may receive the necessary medical care. At the same time, Azuta-Mbata urged Igbos across to make sure they register for the current voter registration drive and get their voter cards.
This was stated by Azuta-Mbata in a brief video message he provided to our correspondent on Thursday.
In recent years, one of Nigeria's most divisive political and security concerns has been Kanu's arrest. Kanu skipped bail and left the country in 2017 after being imprisoned for the first time in 2015 on allegations that bordered on treason.
In a contentious operation, Nigerian security personnel arrested him again in Kenya in June 2021, and he has since been detained by the Department of State Services.
Additionally, he called on the government to look into a political way to deal with the imprisoned IPOB leader, stating that the top government had no benefit from the leader's ongoing confinement.
"I'm calling on Ndigbo-nine (Igbos in general), wherever you are in Nigeria, to hurry and take advantage of the voter registration drive that is currently underway," said Azuta-Mbata. As soon as you can, go obtain your cards.
Additionally, I would like to urge Nigeria's federal government to promptly release Nnamdi Kanu. The government has no significant benefit in retaining him. It is critical that the government safeguards his safety and well-being, and that he be able to seek medical treatment as soon as possible.
"The government must find a political solution to this problem. I don't feel the government has a compelling reason to hold him any longer."