- Okwukwu, who signed the letter himself, argued that Kanu’s ongoing detention was destabilising the region and the broader Nigerian polity
The former Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Dimm Uchechukwu Nnam Okwukwu, has called on President Bola Tinubu to release the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, in a bid to restore peace in the South-East region.
In an open letter dated November 25, 2025, Okwukwu urged the president to reallocate the security resources currently focused on the South-East towards tackling banditry and terrorism in northern Nigeria.
Okwukwu, who signed the letter himself, argued that Kanu’s ongoing detention was destabilising the region and the broader Nigerian polity. He stated, “The continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is undoubtedly convulsing the Southeast, in particular, and the Nigerian polity, in general.”
While acknowledging that Kanu’s legal case remains in court, Okwukwu questioned whether trial alone was the best resolution, emphasising that the issue transcended legal matters and was primarily political. He suggested that the president had the executive power to resolve the matter without further court proceedings.
“Your Excellency, the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu offers significant benefits. Peace and tranquility would return to the Southeast, and law enforcement resources currently allocated to the region could be redirected to combat more pressing threats, such as banditry and terrorism in the north,” Okwukwu stated.
He concluded his appeal by urging President Tinubu to act swiftly, either releasing Kanu unconditionally or under other arrangements the president deems appropriate.