The President-General of the Igbo Community Association (ICA) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Engr. Ikenna Ellis-Ezenekwe, has revealed that Nnamdi Kanu remains optimistic about his release from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) by April 2025.
Ezenekwe made this known following a visit to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) at the DSS headquarters in Abuja. In a statement, he conveyed Kanu’s deep disappointment over the lack of strong and vocal Igbo leadership, lamenting that many prominent figures had failed to advocate for the region’s interests.
Despite spending years in detention, Kanu was reported to be in good health, having gained weight and remaining in high spirits. He expressed confidence in his legal team and held onto hope that the courts would soon grant him freedom.
However, Kanu did not hold back in his criticism of Igbo political leaders, accusing them of inaction while the region suffers from a lack of influential advocates. He pointed to historical examples of neglect, citing the case of Ralph Uwazurike, a fellow agitator for self-determination, who was abandoned by his people during his imprisonment. According to Kanu, such betrayals weaken the struggle for the region’s future.
Ezenekwe also relayed Kanu’s renewed call for a referendum, describing it as a necessary step toward self-determination. He emphasized that Kanu remains steadfast in his belief that he has committed no crime other than urging his people to awaken and demand their rights.
In his appeal, Ezenekwe directly called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in Kanu’s case, reminding him of his past role in Nigeria’s pro-democracy movement. He urged the president to demonstrate the political will to secure Kanu’s release, arguing that his prolonged detention represents political repression rather than justice.
Quoting from his statement, Ezenekwe said:
“During my visit to the DSS headquarters in Abuja, I had the honor of meeting with Nnamdi Kanu. Our discussion served as a reminder of our shared struggle for justice and the advancement of Igbo interests.
“Despite his circumstances, Kanu remains resilient. He expressed deep frustration over the absence of strong Igbo leadership, which has allowed the region’s voice to fade at a critical moment. He also reflected on past freedom fighters, particularly Ralph Uwazurike, and warned that their abandonment endangers the collective fight for self-determination.
“At the heart of our conversation, Kanu reiterated his demand for a referendum, insisting that this is the only legitimate path forward. He maintains that he has committed no offense other than urging his people to rise from their slumber. His confidence in his legal team and hope for release by April 2025 stand as a testament to his dedication and fortitude.
“As our meeting ended, I was deeply moved by his unwavering spirit. Despite years of incarceration, his resolve remains unbroken. His message to the Igbo community was clear: we must not abandon those who have sacrificed for our liberation.
“I, therefore, appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to uphold the values of democracy and justice that once defined his own struggles. Now is the time for decisive action to secure the release of Nnamdi Kanu. Let this moment mark a turning point—a renewed commitment to safeguarding the rights, dignity, and future of the Igbo people.”
Ezenekwe’s statement underscores growing concerns about the political and social challenges facing the Southeast and the demand for greater representation in national discourse.
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