Chief Edwin Clark, a former Federal Commissioner for Information and South-South leader, has made a passionate appeal to President Bola Tinubu for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). In a detailed letter, Clark highlighted the importance of addressing the grievances of the Igbos, who feel marginalized and short-changed in Nigeria.
Clark drew a comparison between Kanu’s case and that of Bello Bodejo, the President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, who had terrorism charges dropped against him. He argued that releasing Kanu would not only foster national reconciliation but also bring an end to the disruptive Monday sit-at-home orders in the South-East, which have been a significant source of tension and economic disruption.
While Clark made it clear that he does not agree with the methods employed by IPOB, he strongly advocated for a political solution, emphasizing a united Nigeria where all citizens are treated equally. He proposed a “carrot and stick approach” rather than relying solely on military force to address the grievances of IPOB youths, suggesting that such an approach would be more effective in achieving long-term peace and stability.
Clark also reminded President Tinubu of his own history of supporting restructuring, which is seen as crucial for a more equitable and united Nigeria. He urged the President to take concrete steps to reassure all Nigerians of their equal status and rights within the country, stressing that no single section of the country should be seen as more dominant or privileged than another.
Clark’s letter, titled “PART II: A CALL FOR THE REINTEGRATION OF THE IGBOS INTO THE MAINSTREAM OF NIGERIA AND A CALL FOR THE RELEASE OF NNAMDI KANU BY MR PRESIDENT ON POLITICAL GROUNDS AS IN THE CASE OF THE MIYETTI ALLAH PRESIDENT ABDULLAHI BELLO BODEJO,” reiterated his stance on the need for Nigeria’s unity and equal treatment of all citizens.
“I have never supported the activities of IPOB under the leadership of Nnamdi Kanu, but today, Nigeria, a broken country where many groups and nativities have cried foul to the way Nigeria had been going since 1999 because of the Military Constitution imposed on Nigerians by the Military. Today, our economy is failing, our democracy is failing, our education and health institutions are collapsing, the youths are jobless, and some people are treated as second-class citizens while a few enjoy the fruit of the so-called democracy we are passing through, coupled with the violence and insecurity in the South-East; and if allowed to continue, the consequences will be very unpleasant to all Nigerians.”
“It would be recalled that during the gubernatorial election, Nigerians were informed that the detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu had disowned Simon Ekpa led faction of IPOB. It was partly as a result of this, that the elections were peacefully held in Anambra State which brought Prof Chukwuma Soludo into power.”
“The release of Nnamdi Kanu by Mr President on political grounds is overdue as earlier explained. Mr President should direct the Attorney General to enter a nolle prosequi to free Nnamdi Kanu who has shown his intention to work with the Federal Government, in order to bring peace and stability in the South-East and to Nigerians as a whole as it has been recently done in similar cases of treasonable felony 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 imposes on us that we must practice what we preach and the release of Nnamdi Kanu is one of such cases. I respectfully wish to remind you or draw your attention to the first stanza of our National Anthem thus; “Nigeria we hail thee, Our own dear native land, Though tribe and tongue may differ, In brotherhood we stand, Nigerians all, and proud to serve Our sovereign Motherland.”
