On Tuesday, the Presidency refuted reports suggesting 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 on Information and Strategy to Tinubu, dismissed these reports as untrue. In a statement he issued, Onanuga clarified that Tinubu had never met with Igbo businessmen with the intent of securing Kanu’s release.
The reports had alleged that Tinubu disclosed that his government’s efforts to release Kanu from prison were thwarted by Uzodinma. Tinubu was reported to have stated during the meeting that the Governor had provided reasons why releasing Kanu before the Imo elections posed a danger.
The alleged statement from the President mentioned, “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 to have peace. The zone has witnessed major security challenges where armed security militia, ESN, has killed several people.”
In response, Onanuga called on the people of Imo State to ignore the alleged fake 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 create resentment against the governor, who has performed admirably for his people and deserves a second term in the upcoming Saturday’s election.”
“President Tinubu did not meet with Igbo businessmen on Monday. He did not make the statements attributed to him, nor did he hold Governor Uzodimma responsible for anything.”
“Sahara Reporters did not report the fake news, and the link provided did not lead to the fake news on the Sahara Reporters platform. It’s all a malicious fabrication by politically desperate individuals.”