South-East billionaire Arthur Eze has expressed confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will heed the pleas of the Ndigbo and release Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
In an interview with AIT on Sunday, Eze shared his belief that Tinubu’s leadership style contrasts sharply with that of former President Muhammadu Buhari, particularly in relation to the treatment of Kanu. He explained that Kanu's detention was a result of Buhari’s firm stance, which Eze characterized as hardline and unforgiving. In contrast, Eze praised Tinubu for his forgiving nature and inclusive approach to governance, pointing out that Tinubu holds no grudges and is willing to listen to the concerns of the people, including those of the South-East region.
Eze also highlighted Tinubu’s establishment of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), an initiative he believes will address the region’s long-standing infrastructural challenges and create job opportunities, especially for the youth. According to Eze, the creation of the SEDC is a tangible response to the South-East's demands that have persisted since the end of the Nigeria-Biafra war. He commended the appointment of Mike Okoye from Anambra State as Managing Director of the Commission, as well as the inclusion of appointees from the other South-East states—Imo, Enugu, Abia, and Ebonyi. Eze sees this as a balanced approach to solving the region's challenges and fostering development.
The establishment of the SEDC, Eze believes, will play a crucial role in addressing the security concerns in the region by creating opportunities that would help reduce unemployment and its associated risks. He lauded Tinubu’s leadership for prioritizing the South-East despite the region not voting for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 elections.
Eze’s comments are in line with the ongoing appeals from Ohanaeze Ndigbo and other South-East leaders who continue to advocate for the release of Kanu. These leaders hope that the release of the IPOB leader will serve as a symbol of national unity and contribute to the healing of the wounds of the past.
The issue of Nnamdi Kanu's detention remains a contentious topic in Nigerian politics, with many South-East leaders seeing his release as key to fostering peace and reconciliation in the region. As calls for Kanu’s release grow louder, it remains to be seen whether President Tinubu will act on these pleas, as his administration seeks to balance regional interests and national unity.
