As Nnamdi Kanu remains in detention, President Bola Tinubu’s selection of Bianca Ojukwu as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs has stirred debate among various stakeholders, who see it as a potential avenue for reconciliation between the Southeast and the broader Nigerian community.
According to The Agenda Neewspapper, this cabinet reshuffle by Tinubu involved five new appointments, the removal of seven ministers, and the reassignment of ten others.
Bianca joins a group of Southeastern ministers, including Doris Uzoka-Anite (Minister of State for Finance), Uche Nnaji (Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology), and David Umahi (Minister of Works).
Bianca’s Role: A Move Towards Healing
While many interpret Bianca’s appointment as a tactical maneuver, Katchi Ononuju from the Heritage Centre highlighted that the President acknowledges the necessity for national healing. He remarked, “The President is aware that his rise to office was supported by a political party, and he is now focused on healing the nation.”
Ononuju noted that old strategies have become obsolete, with the President aiming for unity—especially crucial as he seeks reelection. “However, it’s important to recognize that Bianca is not a panacea. Genuine inclusion must be demonstrated through actions rather than mere appointments.”
He further elaborated that while the appointment is a considerate move, it must be accompanied by tangible actions to foster real hope. “The President needs to ensure that Bianca’s role leads to her constituents feeling genuinely involved, transcending just rhetoric, which previous administrations have often relied on.”
On the matter of Kanu, Ononuju emphasized that a political solution hinges on governmental willingness rather than Bianca’s position. He mentioned that leaders from the Southeast are advocating for a negotiated release for Kanu, which could potentially lead to positive developments.
He concluded, “Kanu’s situation is fundamentally a matter between him and the state, and with the right approach, Tinubu might find it feasible to consider his release.”