Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, has renewed calls for the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, describing his continued detention as unjust and urging that freeing him would be the right step for the government.
Governor Mbah made the statement during a question-and-answer session at the ongoing Nigerian Bar Association Annual General Conference in Enugu on Monday, shortly after delivering a presentation on “Leadership and Transformation.”
When a participant encouraged him to continue advocating for Kanu’s freedom, the governor revealed that his very first meeting with President Bola Tinubu after assuming office was focused on the issue of Kanu’s detention.
He said, “My first visit to the President was about Nnamdi Kanu.
I believe that the right thing to do is to release him. Hopefully, that will be done soon.”
Mbah also highlighted the impact of Kanu’s detention on daily life in the Southeast, particularly the sit-at-home orders on Mondays, which previously disrupted trade and mobility.
He noted that his administration has worked to restore normalcy in Enugu State, saying, “We met a situation where people were compelled to stay at home every Monday.
Now, people trade in Ogbete and other markets in peace on Mondays. Monday sit-at-home has ended in Enugu, as you can see. You can also move around and investigate.”
Beyond advocacy for Kanu, the governor shared insights into strategies his administration is using to overcome developmental barriers and unlock economic opportunities within the state, highlighting efforts to improve commerce, infrastructure, and governance.
Nnamdi Kanu is currently facing trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja on terrorism-related charges, which he has denied. Governor Mbah’s comments signal a continued push for dialogue and reconciliation, emphasizing that addressing such political and social issues could foster peace and development in the Southeast.
