Nnamdi Kanu: Tinubu may be skeptical to release Biafra leader
The case of Nnamdi Kanu has resurfaced once again. It’s one of those critical issues that President Bola Tinubu inherited from his predecessor Muhammadu Buhari. The ex president was able to incarcerate the Biafra leader till the end of his tenure.
Some top echelons and leaders in the southeastern region of Nigeria have solemnly appealed to the president to release Nnamdi Kanu, who was extradited to the country from east African Kenya. He had jumped the bail and continued his agitation for Biafra republic from outside the country.
Human Right Watch, Yul Edochie have also appealed to Bola Tinubu to let Kanu off the hook. In fact the watch believed that his release would “heal the nation”.
It’s true that some a federal high court has declared his incarceration as unlawful and ordered his release from the Kuje prison. However, former President Muhammadu Buhari was doubtful. He knew the threat that Nnamdi Kanu poses to the national security of Nigeria.
Bola Tinubu has prerogative to pardon and release the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), but the ex Lagos state governor would need to consider the delicate situations in the restive region. The Igbo people in the region still hold their agitation very close to their hearts. In fact they are apparently more loyal to the struggle than to the country.
During the last general elections, they voted with clear affliction to the Igbo course. They backed their own son, Peter Obi, whom they must have expected to release Nnamdi Kanu from prison if he had won the election. They are yet to integrate themselves fully into the country. Releasing the incarcerated Kanu would rather make him a hero and renew the struggle fully.
Till this moment, the proscribed IPOB orders sit-at-home. Markets, schools, banks, shops, parks are in isolation. There has been no remorse in that axis. The arrest of their leader, Kanu, has not had a positive impact on the struggle. Releasing him would rather complicate the issue for the country.
No president would want the country to disintegrate unless he shares from the feelings and agitations of the secessionists. Bola Tinubu has nothing to do with them, then he can’t stand to let a part of the country break off. That is why he will be skeptical with the appeal to release Nnamdi Kanu.
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