CITIZENS COMPASS – The former Governor of Imo State, Senator Rochas Okorocha, has called for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
He said the release was the best way to honour the late Igbo business mogul, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.
Okorocha made the call yesterday, during a night of tribute held in Ubah’s honour 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, to 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.”
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?’”
He added that even those who once disagreed—such as Ojukwu and Ekwueme—were now reconciled in the afterlife, urging the living to follow their example.
“Ojukwu recalls his quarrels with Ekwueme, and now they say it is vanity. Inwanyi recalls his quarrels with Enwerem, and now they are in one place. And so, they are asking Igbos to embrace peace,” Okorocha said.
The night of tribute brought together notable political figures, as well as friends and family of the deceased.
In attendance were former President Goodluck Jonathan, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, former Presidents of the Senate Anyim Pius Anyim and Bukola Saraki, among numerous others.
Ubah, who was a senator representing Anambra South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, died in London in July at the age of 52.
The businessman-turned-politician would have been 53 on September 3, 2024.
Ubah will be laid to rest on Friday, November 22, 2024.
—The PUNCH
