The news of Nnamdi Kanu’s imminent release sparks mixed reactions among Igbo leaders, with optimism tempered by scepticism and high expectations.

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he announcement of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s potential release from detention has triggered mixed reactions across the South East, with Igbo leaders and groups expressing optimism, scepticism, and indifference.

Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, recently revealed that President Bola Tinubu was prepared to release the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

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She made the announcement during the 13th memorial anniversary of the late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu in Owerri.

“President Tinubu understands the importance of Kanu’s release. It will expose the masqueraders behind the violence and help restore order. I will do whatever it takes to ensure His Excellency grants this request,” the minister assured.

This sentiment was echoed by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, who stated during a meeting with the South East Legislators Forum in Abuja:

“I am fighting for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to come out. Very soon, it will happen. Please, keep us in your prayers.”

Some leaders have welcomed the news as a vital step towards resolving the longstanding socio-economic and security challenges plaguing the South East.

Chief Goddy Uwazurike, former president of Aka Ikenga, expressed confidence in the minister’s statement, attributing it to President Tinubu’s political acumen.

“Tinubu is a politician who knows how to win people over. This is a right step in the right direction, offering hope to those seeking a peaceful resolution to the Biafra issue,” Uwazurike noted.

Ugochimereze Chinedu Asuzu, convener of Ikoro Ndigbo, described the move as “long overdue,” emphasising that the courts have ruled in Kanu’s favour multiple times, but past administrations failed to comply.

He stressed that Kanu’s release would distinguish genuine freedom fighters from criminals exploiting the Biafra movement.

Not all responses have been celebratory. Chief Chekwas Okorie, founder of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), downplayed the significance of the minister’s remarks, viewing them as an expression of hope rather than a definitive action plan.

“Her office is not a direct channel for the president’s decisions. Until there’s a formal announcement from the presidency, there’s nothing to celebrate,” Okorie said.

Similarly, Comrade Igboayaka O. Igboayaka, National President General of the Ohanaeze Youth Council, highlighted the repeated nature of such assurances, noting that similar promises made months ago by South East governors have yet to materialise.

While many view Kanu’s release as an essential step towards restoring peace in the South East, others stress the broader challenges facing the Igbo people in Nigeria.

“As a diplomat and stateswoman, Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu’s words carry weight. We hope President Tinubu will prioritise this move as a path towards justice, healing, and reconciliation,” Asuzu remarked.

The South East continues to wait for a decisive resolution to Kanu’s detention, with hopes that his release will foster dialogue and stability in the region.