“Free Nnamdi Kanu Or Return Him To Kenya” – South-East Monarch Blasts FG, Warns Of Rising Anger Among Youths

“Free Nnamdi Kanu Or Return Him To Kenya” – South-East Monarch Blasts FG, Warns Of Rising Anger Among Youths
A prominent South-East monarch has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take decisive action on the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu, insisting that the IPOB leader should either be released or returned to Kenya, where he was arrested before being brought back to Nigeria in 2021.
The monarch did not mince words.
According to him, the prolonged detention of Kanu is deepening resentment among youths in the South-East, who already feel politically sidelined and unheard.
“The youths in the South-east see us as sell-outs. When we come to Abuja, they think we come to collect money and keep quiet on these issues,” he reportedly said.
“Tell Ourselves The Truth”
The traditional ruler stressed that Nigeria cannot move forward without confronting difficult realities.
He warned that silence from leaders in the region is being interpreted as betrayal, adding that the growing frustration among young people could have long-term consequences if not addressed.
“We cannot make progress in this country if we don’t tell ourselves the whole truth,” he said.
Sunday Igboho To Be Honoured
In a related development, there are reported plans to honour Sunday Igboho, whom the monarch described as Kanu’s South-West counterpart.
The comparison between Kanu and Igboho once again brings to the surface long-standing grievances, agitation for self-determination, and debates about fairness, justice, and national unity.
A Political Time Bomb?
Kanu’s case has remained one of the most controversial political and legal matters in Nigeria. Supporters argue that his continued detention fuels unrest in the South-East, while the Federal Government maintains that the case is a matter of national security and rule of law.
With tensions simmering and regional sentiments growing stronger, the monarch’s statement adds fresh pressure on the presidency to act.
Will the Federal Government reconsider its stance? Or will this issue continue to widen the trust gap between Abuja and the South-East?
One thing is clear — the conversation is far from over.