The American Military Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID) has called on Southeast governors to take more decisive action to secure the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), and assured them that his freedom would not hinder their vice-presidential aspirations for 2027.

In an open letter signed by AVID President Dr. Sylvester Onyia and Secretary Dr. Godson Obiagwu, the group urged the Southeast leaders to engage President Bola Tinubu to facilitate Kanu’s release before Christmas.

AVID emphasized that further delay in securing Kanu’s release would suggest complicity among the region’s governors in his ongoing detention.

The letter also expressed surprise at reports that some Southeast politicians, particularly a sitting governor, were allegedly blocking Kanu’s release out of concern that it could undermine their vice-presidential ambitions for 2027.

AVID dismissed these concerns, asserting that Kanu, as a political neutral, would not seek to interfere with the aspirations of any Southeast politician.

“If the claims are true, and a governor is blocking Kanu’s release due to fears that he will obstruct his vice-presidential ambitions, we want to reassure them that a free Nnamdi Kanu would have no such motivations or interest in political ambitions,” the letter stated.

“Kanu is apolitical and has no desire to influence the political landscape.”

The group also urged further pressure on the Nigerian government for Kanu’s release, arguing that his continued imprisonment was exacerbating insecurity and tension in the Southeast region.

They called on the five Southeast governors and other elected officials to fulfill their public promises to press President Tinubu for Kanu’s freedom.

AVID voiced concerns about Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, who reportedly showed reluctance to push for Kanu’s release.

The group claimed that the governor’s hesitancy was due to fears that Kanu’s freedom would end the regional insecurity and reduce the special security funding he receives from the federal government for the controversial Ebube Agu security initiative.

The letter continued, urging Governor Uzodimma to prioritize the safety and well-being of the people of Imo and the Southeast, suggesting that Kanu’s release could help restore peace and security to the region.

“It is more beneficial to have a free Nnamdi Kanu assisting in the security of our people than relying on Ebube Agu, which has been exacerbating the insecurity in the region,” the letter stated.

AVID also called on heads of security agencies to end their reliance on Kanu’s continued detention as a means to pad security budgets, arguing that such actions are not in the best interest of national security or the rule of law.

The group appealed to Southeast civic leaders, including Ohaneze Ndigbo, traditional rulers, the clergy, and other influential groups, urging them to unite and take swift action if the governors remain reluctant.

They called on the Obi of Onitsha to lead a delegation of respected figures to meet with President Tinubu to seek Kanu’s release.

Furthermore, AVID suggested that if other governors hesitate, Governor Alex Otti of Abia State should take the lead in advocating for Kanu’s release, emphasizing the responsibility of Kanu’s home state to protect and support its native son.

In conclusion, the group reiterated that it was crucial for all Igbo people to publicly demand Kanu’s immediate release, as it had become clear that the judicial system had failed to provide a resolution in the matter.

“It is time for all Ndigbo worldwide to unite and demand the release of Nnamdi Kanu from President Tinubu,” the letter concluded.

The Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State, staged a protest on Sunday following the death of their President-General, Pa James Oghoroko, in military custody.

The community issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Government and the Nigerian Army, demanding the release of their detained leaders or face potential unrest.

The protestors, although peaceful, were visibly angry over the death of their PG and the ongoing detention without trial of five other community leaders.

They threatened to block access to the River Niger if their demands were not met within the given timeframe.

Pa Oghoroko, along with Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo, Chief Belvis Adogbo, Dennis Okugbaye, Dennis Malaka, Madam Mabel, and another individual, were reportedly arrested between August 18 and 20, 2024, and have since been held in undisclosed locations.

Elder Ohwotake Otiero, who led the protest, expressed outrage over the PG’s death under military detention.

Speaking in Urhobo, Otiero said, “We are in mourning due to the death of Oghoroko in military custody. If this is true, the government should prepare for trouble. We demand the release of our detained leaders and the return of our PG’s body immediately. If our demands are not met within seven days, we will block the river. Let the soldiers and President Tinubu come and kill us all.”

Women leaders also voiced their concerns. Maria Adams, one of the protestors, stated, “Our PG was innocent, yet he was arrested and has now died in detention. President Tinubu must tell us if we are still Nigerians. Okuama deserves justice.”

Evuarherhe Joseph added, “The Federal Government and Army treat us as though we don’t matter. Now our PG is gone, and others are sick in detention. If our leaders are not released in seven days, we will act.”

Hon. Jacob Akemor, another community leader, condemned the Nigerian Army’s actions, calling them unlawful.

“How can the Army arrest people and not bring them to court? This is a violation of the law. Our PG is dead, and others are in poor health. The government must intervene within seven days to avoid further unrest,” Akemor said.

Protester Roseline Okumagba also condemned the treatment of the Okuama community, saying, “Our PG has been killed without reason. The detained leaders must be released immediately, or we will take action. The government must act now before things escalate further.”

The Okuama community is calling for urgent action to resolve their grievances, warning that failure to address their concerns could lead to significant unrest.