Igbo leaders have faulted comments by President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, opposing the growing calls for a political resolution of the prolonged detention of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

Onanuga had reportedly stated that “Nnamdi Kanu is currently undergoing trial on treason charges that must proceed without interference.”
Reacting to the remark, the Igbo Leaders of Thought (ILT), in a statement jointly signed by its President, Prof. Elochukwu Amucheazi, and Secretary,

Prof. Jerry Chukwuokolo, expressed dismay, questioning whether Onanuga’s statement reflected President Tinubu’s position.

The group cautioned that national unity and social cohesion should not be undermined, stressing that the rule of law requires equal treatment of all citizens.

“This is not the case with Nnamdi Kanu when compared with others like him,” the ILT stated. “We recall that this charge against Kanu has been dismissed by a High Court and the Court of Appeal, and the Federal Government never appealed the judgment.

“It is also public knowledge that the Kenyan Government condemned Kanu’s abduction, and a Kenyan High Court declared his rendition illegal.”

The group noted that Justice Binta Nyako had recused herself from Kanu’s case, with several other judges declining to take it up.

“Now that Justice Omotosho has agreed to handle the case, questions arise: Is he related to Onanuga? Is Onanuga waiting for ‘his appropriate judgment’? His statement appears overly confident about the court’s outcome,” ILT said.

The leaders further lamented that President Tinubu ignored an appeal by Ohanaeze President-General, Chief John Mbata, to release Kanu as a gesture of national reconciliation, despite recently granting clemency to 157 convicts.

They commended political figures such as Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Mr. Omoyele Sowore for supporting a political solution to the issue.

ILT also decried what it described as “double standards” in Nigeria’s justice system.

“Sunday Igboho, who pursued self-determination, is free, while a governor attended the wedding of a bandit’s son. Bandits are pampered and paid, but activists like Kanu are prosecuted and denied medical care,” they said.

The group added that this disparity contradicts the principles of fairness, equity, and the constitutional presumption of innocence.

They also condemned the destruction of Igbo properties in Lagos and the perceived silence of authorities. “These acts of hostility make one wonder if Kanu’s agitation for self-determination was unjustified,” ILT stated.

“It is unfortunate that the National Assembly appears incapacitated in providing oversight in this matter. Enough should be enough,” the leaders declared.