By Muhammad Mamman
Veteran journalist and publisher of Ovation International, Dele Momodu, has thrown his weight behind growing calls for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), arguing that the continued detention of the separatist leader symbolises the longstanding marginalisation of the Igbo people.
Speaking in an interview over the weekend, Momodu said the Federal Government must embrace dialogue, justice, and national reconciliation rather than perpetuating division and resentment.
“It is time Nigeria treated the South-East with fairness and dignity,” he said. “The Igbos have been marginalised for too long, and the case of Nnamdi Kanu has become a painful reminder of that imbalance.”
The respected columnist and politician said Kanu’s prolonged incarceration, despite several court rulings ordering his release, undermines the principles of democracy and the rule of law. He called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to demonstrate statesmanship by facilitating a political solution to the issue.
“Releasing Nnamdi Kanu will not weaken Nigeria; it will strengthen it,” Momodu stated. “It will open the door for healing, dialogue, and unity.”
His comments come amid renewed agitation from political, religious, and traditional leaders in the South-East, who have repeatedly appealed to the Federal Government to free the IPOB leader as part of efforts to restore peace to the region.
In recent weeks, several civil society organisations and lawmakers have joined the campaign, arguing that Kanu’s detention has fuelled resentment among young people and worsened insecurity in parts of the South-East.
Political observers note that Momodu’s intervention adds weight to the growing chorus of influential voices urging Tinubu to adopt a conciliatory approach towards the region.
However, government sources maintain that Kanu’s case remains a judicial matter and that the administration is committed to allowing due legal processes to run their course.
Despite this, many Nigerians believe a political solution may be the only viable path to de-escalate tensions and rebuild trust between the South-East and the rest of the federation.
Momodu concluded by urging leaders across ethnic and political lines to prioritise unity over division.
“Nigeria will never know peace or progress until every group feels a sense of belonging,” he said.
