In a detailed letter to President Bola Tinubu, Chief Edwin Clark, former Federal Commissioner for Information and South-South leader, urged the release of detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu. Clark likened it to the case of Bello Bodejo, President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, whose terrorism charges were dropped.
Clark stressed the need for a political solution to meet the demands of the Igbo people, who feel marginalized and denied change in the country. He stressed that Kanu’s release would complete Nigeria’s reconciliation and end Monday’s sit-at-home order in the Southeast.
While admitting his disapproval of IPOB’s methods, Clark advocated a united Nigeria where all citizens have equal rights. He advised the government to use a “carrot and stick approach” rather than using military force in addressing the grievances of IPOB youth.
The elder statesman also reminded President Tinubu of his longstanding support for restructuring, which is essential for a united Nigeria. He urged the President to reassure Nigerians of their unity and equality, stressing that no party owns the country more than another.
Clark’s letter, entitled “PART II: A CALL FOR THE REINTEGRATION OF IGBOS INTO THE NIGERIAN MAINSTREAM AND A CALL FOR THE LIBERATION OF NNAMDI KANU BY PRESIDENT MAPAK ON A POLITICAL BASIS AS IN THE CASE OF PRESIDENT MIYETTI ALLAH ABDULLAHI BELLO BODEJO,” reiterates his stance on the need for Nigerian unity and equal treatment towards all citizens.
“I have never supported the activities of IPOB under the leadership of Nnamdi Kanu, but today, Nigeria, a divided country where many local groups and people condemn the state of affairs in Nigeria since 1999 because of the Military Constitution imposed on Nigerian citizens by the army. Today, our economy is failing, our democracy is failing, our educational and health institutions are collapsing, the younger generation is unemployed, and some people are treated as second-class citizens while a select few enjoy the fruits of our so-called democracy. through, coupled with violence and insecurity in the Southeast; and if allowed to continue, the consequences will be very unpleasant for all Nigerians.”
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“It would be recalled that during the gubernatorial election, Nigerians were told that the detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu disowned Simon Ekpa who leads the IPOB faction. One of the impacts was that elections were held peacefully in Anambra State and brought Prof Chukwuma Soludo to power.”
“Mr President’s release of Nnamdi Kanu on political grounds is overdue as previously explained. Mr President should direct the Attorney General to undertake a nolle prosequi to release Nnamdi Kanu who has demonstrated his intention to work with the Federal Government, to bring peace and stability to the South East and the Nigerian people as a whole. recently committed in cases of similar crimes of treason such as in the case of Miyetti Allah president, Abdullahi Bello Bodejo of Nasarawa state.”
“Mr. President, the recent adoption of the Independent National Anthem by all Nigerians forces us to practice what we preach and the release of Nnamdi Kanu is one such example. I would like to respectfully remind you or draw your attention to the first verse of our National Anthem as follows; “Nigeria, we praise you, Our beloved homeland, Despite differences of tribe and language, In brotherhood we stand, all Nigerians, and proud to serve our sovereign Homeland.”
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