Igbo Leaders of Thought ask for Nnamdi Kanu's release, confederation

The Igbo Leaders of Thought (ILT), previously led by the late Prof Ben Nwabueze, has asked from President Tinubu for the immediate release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from four years incarceration.

In a communique signed by its incumbent President, Prof Elochukwu Amucheazi and Secretary, Prof J.C Chukwuokolo, the group also suggested that the country should be restructured in a confederation manner.

Here is the full text of their communique:

COMMUNIQUE IGBO LEADERS OF THOUGHT

At its full-scale meeting on Friday, June 20, 2025, the Igbo Leaders of Thought deliberated much on the prevalent situation in the country. The President Tinubu administration has been in office for two years and much has been expected from the administration. But the insecurity problem has continued to rise with the latest genocidal slaughtering in Benue, Kebbi, Plateau, Imo and Niger and number of other states. We plead to His Excellency, President Tinubu to order a full-scale campaign to stop this genocide. The slaughter of about three hundred souls in a day in Benue is difficult to endure. If the Army, the Police, Navy and Air-Force and other law enforcement agencies are not up to the challenge, the president should think of other options. The establishment of State police has been canvassed by all and sundry. Let it be implemented forthwith. It will surely help contain this irresponsibility and provocation.

2. We also remind and plead with His Excellency to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. He has been in detention for over four years and his agitation is in fact less acrimonious than that of the Yoruba boys and Miyetti Allah. The President does not hate Ndigbo and his activities should not wear that tag.

3. The posting away from head office of INEC and JAMB of Igbo computer directors at the eve of election and examination led to unwholesome and unacceptable results. The Executive Secretary of JAMB is still on seat, he should be relieved of his appointment while a full scale enquiry is ordered. The result was clearly conceived against Ndigbo in all Igbo States and Lagos. We believe the president cannot allow this kind of mischievous exercise against one of the three arms of this country Ndigbo.

4. Let us also condemn the ongoing destruction of houses of Ndigbo in Lagos; some on illegal and frame-up allegations. We plead with our President to put a stop to this mischief, if we are aiming at building an integrated Nigeria.

5. We appeal for His Excellency to consider the long standing appeal of Nigerians for the restructuring of the country. The sooner the better for this nation. We Igbo Leaders of Thought think that a confederation is the expected structure of this country.

At the same time we appeal to His Excellency for the reform of the electoral laws of Nigeria. The existing form is faulty, negative in its goals and indeed is a betrayal of the hopes of the country.

6. Finally, we appeal to His Excellency to look into the illegal proclamation of state of Emergency in Rivers state. Unless adequate response is paid to the problem, the consequences either now or later will not help in the development of this country. The Governor should be allowed to govern the state, apologies tendered where appropriate and hawks tamed and directed to focus attention elsewhere

7. We believe the president still remembers that a large number of school girls were abducted in Chibok and elsewhere and many are still in this bondage for over ten years. We hear too that some politicians, Ex-Governors, present Ministers are behind the escapades of the Boko Haramists, Iswap, etc. Is it impossible to deal with this problem?

His Excellency is struggling to define goals and change direction of growth and development. He should ignore all advice that does not promote these ideals.

Meanwhile we congratulate the State of North Carolina, United States of America, for according some respect to Ndigbo for their struggle for identification; it is noteworthy that they declared June 14, an Igbo day.

Prof. Elo Amucheazi

President

Prof. J. C. Chukwuokolo

Secretary