The former Governor of Imo State, Senator Rochas Okorocha, has urged the Federal Government to release Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, as the best way to honour the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.
Okorocha made the call during a night of tribute held in Ubah’s honour on Monday at the Nigerian Air Force Conference & Suites, Abuja.
In his tribute, he referenced Ubah’s plea to the Nigerian government, which he said mirrored a similar request by the late President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.
“Before the death of Iwuanyanwu, he made a plea to the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Ifeanyi Ubah made a statement in the same line,” Okorocha said, calling on Senate President Godswill Akpabio to convey the message to the government.
“I want to say to you, my brother, Senate President, convey this message on behalf of these Igbos who are seated that the best way to honour these great young men is the release of Nnamdi Kanu so that the Igbos can go home and reunite their place.”
Okorocha further expressed his concern for the Igbo community’s division, urging the people of the region to embrace peace and put aside political differences.
Reflecting on the legacy of the late Igbo leaders, he said, “I’ve not died before, and I don’t intend to die soon, but I do know that the Ikemba Ojukwus, the Ekwuemes, and these great leaders of note who have left us, since the spirit never dies, I’m sure they are having a meeting somewhere. I can only imagine what kind of meeting it is.
“Their meeting is about Ndi Igbo. And Ndi Igbo, hear me, what is the likely thing these leaders are discussing now, including the youngest of them, Ifeanyi Ubah?”
“The question they are asking is ‘Igbos, why do you play the politics of hate? Why do you hate one another?’