Sunday, July 6, 2025 - Minister of Works David Umahi says the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), should not be seen as a condition for the south-east to support President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election.
Speaking to journalists in Lagos on Friday, Umahi clarified
that President Tinubu is not responsible for Kanu’s continued detention and
maintained that any discussions regarding his release should be approached
through dialogue and not political pressure.
“Somebody asked me about Nnamdi Kanu, and I said his matter
is not a condition for the south-east to support the president,” Umahi said.
“We are willing to negotiate his release, but no one should make it a condition
because the president did not put him there."
Kanu has been in detention since June 2020, after being
extradited from Kenya. He is currently facing trial on a seven-count charge
bordering on treasonable felony, filed by the federal government. Several
groups and individuals have called for his release, citing human rights
concerns and the need for national reconciliation.
Umahi urged that such calls be guided by responsibility and
dialogue rather than ultimatums. “President Tinubu may not be perfect, but he
is doing most things right. Look at where he picked up the economy from. The
international community has confidence in his reforms. That is why we are
getting support for our projects.”
He also dismissed claims that the Tinubu
administration is sidelining the south-east in federal appointments and
infrastructural development. “Let those criticising the president show us what
they have done for the country,” Umahi said.
0 Comments