Chukwuma Soludo, the Governor of Anambra State, has disclosed that he has an upcoming appointment with President Muhammadu Buhari, aimed at facilitating the immediate release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
During a quarterly statewide briefing on his government’s activities, Soludo reiterated his commitment to ensuring Kanu’s release, adding that he hopes to discuss issues of security in the South East, particularly Kanu’s release, with President Buhari.
Soludo had earlier called for Kanu’s release during the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) campaign in Awka, where he pledged to stand as surety for Kanu if the federal government found it hard to release him unconditionally.
According to Soludo, Kanu’s release would assist in intervening in areas where some groups use secessionist agitation to perpetuate criminality.
Soludo said, “On the issue of Nnamdi Kanu, his release does not mean that insecurity will be completely eliminated. The call is in the best interest of the South East as a whole. He (Kanu) was saddened by the level of crime associated with the agitation when I visited him in prison. He called it an abomination.”
Soludo continued, “Everyone has now become a freedom fighter, using it as an avenue to commit crime. The truth is that if he is released, he will be able to distinguish between genuine freedom fighters and criminals. What is still holding him back is a political issue. I am awaiting confirmation of the appointment with the President to hand him the letter officially.”