Kanu’s release tops agenda as Obasanjo meets Ohanaeze leaders

The discussion between Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, the former president, and a few Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide officials was mostly upon the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra who is currently jailed, as well as issues of insecurity in the South-East.

Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the group’s president, and Obasanjo were having a private meeting in Chief Okey Emuchay’s residence in Owerri, Imo State, on Friday, according to information released by the secretary-general of the leading Igbo sociocultural organization.

The Ohanaeze chieftains and Obasanjo discussed matters of “mutual interest” during the multi-hour meeting, according to a statement released by Emuchay on Saturday.

Along with calling the meeting “very symbolic and crucial,” he also said that the discussions were productive.

He added that the outcome of the meeting would soon materialize and be valued by the Igbo people everywhere.

The statement said, “Issues of mutual interest were discussed,” and it said, in part, that Nigeria should build monuments in Chief Obasanjo’s honor in recognition of the sacrifices he has made.

“No victor, no vanquished,” was Obasanjo’s catchphrase for bringing an end to the civil war, which he mentioned.

“Iwuanyanwu praised Obasanjo’s nationalistic and diplomatic actions as president, which led to the nation’s debt forgiveness and the economic revival under his administration.

“He promised the former president that in recognition of his affection for the area, the Igbo people would bestow upon him a worthy honor at the proper time.

Recall that several Igbo sons and daughters were assigned to important positions in Chief Obasanjo’s government during his presidency. During that period, the Igbo nation was given a sense of belonging.

The release of Kanu and the security problems afflicting the area were “thoroughly” discussed, an insider who attended the discussion with the former President said our correspondent.

“The Ohanaeze leaders wisely brought up Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s topic after discussing a few issues of shared interest. Our son is him. He won’t be denied by us. Obasanjo and Ohanaeze conferred extensively on the subject and provided reassurances. The source, an Ohanaeze executive, stated, “That is all I can say at this time, but I am sure that the leadership of Ohanaeze will make more details known in due time.”

According to information obtained by our correspondent, Obasanjo was joined on the tour by Otunba Oyewole Fasawe, the Asiwaju of Owo Kingdom.

A few Igbo leaders and Ohanaeze chieftains were also present, including Emuchay; former Minister for Aviation, Ambassador Kema Chikwe; Methodist Church Nigeria Bishop Sunday Onuoha; former National Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (South-East), Chief Fidelis Ozichukwu; and former Chairman of the PDP’s Board of Trustees for Abia State, Chief Tony Ukasanya.

Iwuanyanwu has not stopped advocating for Kanu’s unconditional release from detention and an end to the claimed marginalization of the region.

Following his Interpol intercept on Sunday, June 26, 2021, in Kenya, Kanu was apprehended and extradited to Nigeria, according to Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami, who made the announcement at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, June 29, 2021.

He continued by saying that in reaction to years of separatist agitation for an independent Republic of Biafra through IPOB, Kanu was hauled back to Nigeria to stand trial for allegations bordering on treasonable felonies brought against him at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

From that point on, he had been appearing in court while under the Department of State Services’ custody.