The health condition of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has deteriorated to the extent that the Medical Unit of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Nigeria has recommended immediate ear surgery for him. This urgent need for surgical intervention was revealed by Aloy Ejimakor, the special counsel for Nnamdi Kanu, through a tweet on Thursday night. Ejimakor mentioned that Barrister Mandela Umegborogu, one of his colleagues, received the information during his visit to Kanu at the DSS headquarters in Abuja.
According to Ejimakor’s tweet, Nnamdi Kanu has directed him to make it public that the DSS Medical Unit has advised him to undergo urgent ear surgery. However, formal approval from the leadership of the DSS is still pending. It is important to note that Mike Ozekhome, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria representing Kanu, had previously expressed concerns about his client’s health during a hearing at the Supreme Court. Ozekhome warned that Kanu’s life could be at risk if he does not receive immediate medical treatment and emphasized the need for a surgical operation.
In light of these developments, Prof Gregory Ibe, a newly appointed member of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide Advisory Council, has made a heartfelt appeal to President Muhammadu Buhari. In a personal letter titled “Passionate Intercession for Compassionate Release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,” Ibe urged President Buhari to heed the numerous calls from eminent Nigerians and release Nnamdi Kanu, considering it as a parting gift to Ndigbo and a way to secure a place in the Igbo Hall of Fame.
Prof Ibe acknowledged the contributions of the Igbo people to the development of Nigeria but expressed concern that Kanu’s prolonged detention has deepened disillusionment among the Igbo community. He emphasized that while there may be concerns about Kanu’s actions and rhetoric, dialogue and engagement should be prioritized over prolonged detention. Ibe stressed that releasing Kanu would demonstrate magnanimity, statesmanship, and an inclusive attitude towards the Igbo people.
Furthermore, Ibe highlighted the potential benefits of Kanu’s release, including national healing, reconciliation, and unity. He pointed out how other released detainees such as Asari Dokubo, Government Tompolo, and Sunday Igboho have contributed to peace-building in their respective regions. Ibe urged President Buhari to release Kanu to foster peace in the South-East and contribute to the construction of a stronger and prosperous Nigerian nation.