Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The member representing Aba North and Aba South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Alex Ikwecheghi, has declared that the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, is not a criminal, contrary to perceptions in some quarters.
Speaking with journalists in Umuahia during a fundraising event for the Abia Security Trust Fund, Ikwecheghi said Kanu is merely voicing the grievances of the Igbo people over what he described as long-standing marginalisation and injustice by the Nigerian state.
The lawmaker argued that Kanu’s continued detention has only deepened insecurity in the South-East, and called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider his release as a pathway to peace.
“Kanu’s release will help restore security in the South East,” Ikwecheghi said.
“His continued detention is fuelling tension and unrest in the region.”
He urged President Tinubu to heed ongoing calls for Kanu’s freedom, suggesting that such a gesture could enhance Tinubu’s political goodwill among the Igbo ahead of the 2027 elections.
“We believe his release might translate to more votes for Tinubu in 2027,” he added.
Ikwecheghi recalled that the South-East caucus of the National Assembly had been engaging with federal authorities to secure Kanu’s release.
“The South-East National Assembly Caucus, led by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe in the Senate and Hon. Idu Igariwe in the House, had engaged with the President. We have issued a communiqué stressing that Nnamdi Kanu is vital to peace, not just in the South-East, but in the entire country,” he said.
According to him, “Nnamdi Kanu has committed no crime. He is not a criminal. He speaks the mind of his people who have consistently expressed feelings of marginalisation. His release will go a long way in reducing insecurity in the region.”
Ikwecheghi further disclosed that the caucus had also met with the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and members of the Security and Intelligence Committee, adding that even some northern lawmakers support Kanu’s release.
He noted that while former President Muhammadu Buhari was responsible for Kanu’s arrest, President Tinubu should not see Kanu as an adversary.
“Holding him will only deepen the resentment Igbos feel toward the system. Mr. President, he is our brother, he is your son. Please, release him. It will do us good, and it will do you good too,” Ikwecheghi pleaded.
“If you release him, the Igbo people will say that President Tinubu has done something for them—something we’ve long clamoured for. And yes, it could translate into electoral support.”
