The Presidency refuted the reports claiming that Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State had obstructed President Bola Tinubu from securing the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to Tinubu on Information and Strategy, dismissed these reports as false. In a statement he issued, Onanuga clarified that Tinubu had not held any meetings with Igbo businessmen with the intention of securing Kanu’s release.
Earlier reports had suggested that Tinubu disclosed that his efforts to secure Kanu’s release had been thwarted by Uzodinma, who expressed concerns about releasing Kanu prior to the Imo state elections.
Tinubu was quoted as saying, “Uzodinma told me the dangers of releasing Mazi Nnamdi Kanu now that the Governorship election of Imo state is at the corner. My intention was to order for his release a few weeks ago when our brother, Igboho was released but I was surprised when the Governor of Imo State approached me to reverse my decision to do so. My reason to even attempt to release him is to enable the people of the South East geopolitical zone have peace. The zone has witnessed major security challenges where armed security militia, ESN has killed several souls.”
In response, Onanuga urged the people of Imo to ignore the purported false news against Uzodinma.
He stated, “The people of Imo State should please disregard the fake news in circulation that Governor Hope Uzodimma is blocking the release of IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu by President Bola Tinubu.
“The fake news is obviously designed to build some resentment against the governor who has done very well for his people and who deserves a second term via Saturday’s election.
“President Tinubu did not meet Igbo businessmen on Monday. He didn’t say what was ascribed to him. He didn’t blame Gov. Uzodimma for anything.
“Sahara Reporters did not report the fake news. The link provided did not lead to the fake news on the Sahara Reporters platform.
“It’s all wicked lies by politically desperate people.”