Following the deteriorating health condition of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, Abia monarchs have advised the Federal Government not to allow any harm to befall him in custody.
The monarchs disclosed this on Thursday night after visiting Kanu’s family at their Isiama Afaraukwu community in Umuahia North Local Government Area, stating that they would lead a high-powered delegation to the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), for ‘a royal truce’ over Kanu’s continued detention.
While expressing their worry over Kanu’s reported failing health, the monarchs said they had concluded plans to have an audience with the President as soon as he returns from the United Nations General Assembly trip to seek a solution to Kanu’s plight.
Led by the National Chairman, Royal Fathers of Nigeria, and Chairman, Ikwuano/Umuahia Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Eze Nnamdi Ofoegbu, condemned the September 14, 2017 “Python Dance II” military invasion of Kanus’ compound, describing it as a desecration of the royal stool.
They further expressed their optimism that releasing Kanu will help avoid the bitter consequences of Kanu dying in custody and advised the President to heed their wise counsel and consider political solution for Kanu in the country’s overall interest.
They urged Ndigbo not to abandon Kanu who, they said, had sacrificed so much for their survival and freedom.
Responding after the closed-door meeting, Kanu’s younger brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, appreciated the monarchs for standing by the family, assuring that the family would apply their advice.
Emmanuel regretted that the DSS had been frustrating the family’s efforts to secure a private physician for Kanu, stating, “I have made numerous efforts to get him a private physician, but each time I tried my best, they ( DSS) turned it down.
“Kanu is going through very difficult times and is complaining bitterly about his health. He has a big issue with his stomach.
“This is the time for the world to come in and say something about that because if he dies there, it is not going to be easy for anyone.”
Emmanuel expressed his disappointment over the nonchalant attitude of the South East political elite in the efforts to free Kanu, stating, “The political elite are not doing enough; I see them as part of the problem and not the solution. They don’t have the balls to stand up and make a case for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
“They even find it difficult to visit him. Apart from Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, no other Governor from South East has visited him in detention.”
Speaking afterward, the member representing Aba South state constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Obinna Ichita said a political solution remains the only way to solve the Kanu/ FG debacle.
Ichita, who has been part of the peace initiation between the Federal Government and the Kanu family, disclosed that he had been privately engaging top senior federal officials over Kanu and expressed his optimism that the intervention by the traditional institution would be fruitful.
The lawmaker urged the Federal Government to quickly consider the clamour for a political solution over the lingering face-off with Kanu, adding, “Releasing Kanu would help douse mounting tension in the South-East.”
