Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, has revealed that the federal government is willing to negotiate the release of Nnamdi Kanu, detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Speaking with journalists in Lagos on Friday night, Umahi, who is also a former governor of Ebonyi, clarified that the issue of Kanu’s release should not be used as a political bargaining chip.
He said: “Somebody asked me about Nnamdi Kanu, and I said his matter is not a condition for the South-East to support the president.
“We are willing to negotiate his release, but no one should make it a condition because the president did not put him there.”
Umahi praised President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, describing him as a “listening leader”, and expressed hope that Kanu’s release would be achieved through “divine grace and dialogue”, not political pressure.
His words: “President Tinubu may not be perfect, but he is doing most things right. Look at where he picked up the economy from.
“The international community has confidence in his reforms. That is why we are getting support for our projects.”
The minister dismissed claims of marginalisation of the South-East in federal appointments, insisting that Tinubu has done more for the region than many past leaders.
“The South-East now has a voice at the centre. We will not return to Egypt,” he said.
He said even opposition governors from the region were cooperating with the federal government.
Umahi also ruled out any presidential ambition in 2027, saying he would rather work to ensure Tinubu’s re-election.
“I will not run. I will work for my boss, President Tinubu. APC is the path to achieving what we want,” he said.
The minister called on political leaders in the South-East to unite across party lines and support the administration’s development agenda.
