By Abubakar Yunusa
The Igbo communities in Canada have appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to order the immediate and unconditional release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, who has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) for over four years.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Canada chapter, Chief Dr Anicetus Nwizundu, expressed grave concern over Kanu’s deteriorating health and the worsening security situation in Igboland.
Nwizundu lamented the prolonged detention of Kanu, describing him as a “prominent voice advocating for the rights and dignity of the Igbo people in Nigeria.”
“We, the Igbo people living in Canada, stand united in calling upon the Federal Government of Nigeria to intervene compassionately in this matter and facilitate the unconditional release of our brother, Nnamdi Kanu,” the statement read.
He said Kanu had been battling severe health complications while in detention, with medical specialists, including cardiologists, confirming his fragile state.
“His continued detention poses grave risks to his life. We implore the Federal Government to act swiftly to release him from custody before it’s too late,” Nwizundu warned.
The group decried what it described as the persistent marginalisation of the Igbo people, insisting that they only seek justice, equality, and peace within a united Nigeria.
“The Igbo do not seek trouble; they yearn for recognition, equality, and peace as Nigerians. Yet, they are treated as second-class citizens in their own country,” the statement lamented.
Nwizundu also painted a bleak picture of the security situation in the South-East, noting that “there is no safety in Igboland today. One cannot travel without fear or sleep peacefully at night due to the pervasive insecurity across our land.”
According to him, the release of Nnamdi Kanu would help restore calm and stability in the region.
“With his release, we envision the correction of many wrongs afflicting our homeland, paving the way for total peace,” the appeal concluded.