In a courageous and unprecedented move, Chief Hon. Dr. Chinedu Mba, the Founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BOT) of the Ndigbo United Forum Worldwide, made a landmark visit to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), currently detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) in Abuja. This visit marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts by Igbo stakeholders to secure a political solution to Kanu’s prolonged detention.
Dr. Mba, popularly known as Dike Eji Eje Mba, was among a team of Nnamdi Kanu’s legal representatives who attempted to visit the IPOB leader. However, in a surprising turn of events, it was only Dr. Mba who was granted access by the DSS, a development that has stirred discussions among political observers. The exclusive nature of his access is viewed as a testament to Dr. Mba's political stature and credibility within both the Igbo community and national political circles.
During the visit, Dr. Mba held extensive discussions with Nnamdi Kanu, addressing both the legal and political dimensions of the case that has spanned nearly a decade. Kanu, who is widely revered among his supporters as Ohamadike, has been held in detention since his controversial repatriation from Kenya to Nigeria in June 2021. His case, tied to terrorism charges, has faced numerous legal and political hurdles, with widespread calls from various quarters for a political solution.
Speaking after the visit, Dr. Mba expressed solidarity with Kanu and reaffirmed his commitment to seeking a peaceful resolution to the IPOB leader's situation. In a bold and compassionate appeal, Dr. Mba pledged to engage with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to grant a presidential pardon to Nnamdi Kanu. He assured that this step would foster national unity and bring closure to the long-standing tensions in the southeast region.
"We will meet with President Tinubu to secure Nnamdi Kanu’s release," Dr. Mba said confidently. "We are committed to finding a political solution, one that aligns with the best interests of Nigeria and the Igbo people. On behalf of the Igbo nation, I am appealing to the President to consider a presidential pardon. We believe that Nnamdi Kanu, once released, will be of good behavior and will work towards national reconciliation."
This plea to the presidency, spearheaded by Dr. Mba, comes at a time when Nnamdi Kanu’s legal team has faced numerous obstacles in accessing their client. Just three days ago, Nnamdi Kanu's legal team accused the DSS of blocking their access to him, an issue that has been recurring since late September. The denial of access has only heightened concerns over Kanu's well-being and the fairness of his ongoing trial.
The legal battle surrounding Kanu's case took another turn on 24th September when Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, who has been presiding over the case, agreed to recuse herself after Kanu expressed a loss of confidence in her handling of the trial. However, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, subsequently returned the case to Justice Nyako, citing that two other judges had previously stepped down from the case.
Dr. Mba’s appeal to President Tinubu highlights the growing consensus among Igbo leaders and stakeholders that a political resolution, rather than prolonged legal battles, is the best path forward. His visit is being hailed as a critical intervention that could pave the way for constructive dialogue between the federal government and secessionist elements in the southeast, potentially easing the tensions that have gripped the region for years.
While the road ahead may still be challenging, Dr. Mba’s determined and courageous stance represents a beacon of hope for many who seek peace, reconciliation, and national unity. His commitment to engaging with the presidency underscores the importance of dialogue in resolving deep-seated political crises, especially those that have ethnic and regional dimensions.
As Dr. Mbah believes that the presidency will consider his appeal, the Igbo community and other concerned Nigerians await with great anticipation, hopeful that his appeal will bear fruit and lead to a new chapter in the nation’s history, one marked by inclusivity, justice, and peace.
