Arthur Eze calls on President Bola Tinubu to forgive IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, emphasizing Tinubu’s commitment to Southeast development through initiatives like the Southeast Development Commission (SEDC).
Billionaire industrialist Prince Arthur Eze has revealed plans by the Southeast to appeal to President Bola Tinubu for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the embattled leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Speaking to journalists in Enugu, Arthur Eze lauded Tinubu’s forgiving nature, contrasting it with the hardline approach of former President Muhammadu Buhari, under whose administration Kanu was detained.
Eze noted Tinubu’s recent strides toward bridging infrastructure gaps in the Southeast, particularly the establishment of the Southeast Development Commission (SEDC).
“We must commend President Tinubu for his proactive measures to address long-standing issues in the Southeast. His establishment of the Southeast Development Commission is a testament to his love for the region. We’ve clamored for this since the Nigeria-Biafra war, and Tinubu has delivered,” Eze stated.
Eze further emphasized the need for the Southeast to show gratitude for Tinubu’s initiatives, adding that appealing to his forgiving nature could lead to Kanu’s release.
“Nnamdi Kanu was detained under Buhari’s administration, not Tinubu’s. Unlike his predecessor, Tinubu is a man of compassion and forgiveness. We will humbly plead with him to release Kanu because he harbors no enemies,” Eze said.
Nnamdi Kanu has been in detention since his extraordinary rendition from Kenya to Nigeria under Buhari’s administration. Despite court rulings dismissing all charges against him, the federal government has refused to release him.
Kanu’s detention has drawn widespread criticism, with stakeholders from the Southeast, including governors, calling for his release. Last year, the Southeast governors expressed willingness to meet with Tinubu to discuss Kanu’s case.
Eze pointed out that Tinubu’s establishment of the SEDC signals a new chapter of inclusivity and development for the Southeast. He urged leaders and stakeholders to recognize these efforts and align themselves with Tinubu’s vision for national unity.
“We need to appreciate Tinubu’s leadership. The SEDC is a game-changer for our people, and it reflects Tinubu’s genuine concern for the Southeast. This is the kind of leadership we need to foster peace and progress,” Eze added.
Eze concluded by expressing optimism that Tinubu’s administration would address the Southeast’s grievances while fostering unity across Nigeria.
