The Presidency on Tuesday denied reports claiming that Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State “blocked” President Bola Tinubu from releasing Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.
Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the reports as fake news.
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In a statement he released, Onanuga explained that Tinubu never met with Igbo businessmen with the aim of releasing Kanu.
It was reported that Tinubu revealed that efforts by his government to release Kanu from prison have been frustrated by Uzodinma.
Tinubu was reported to have said during the meeting that the Governor gave reasons why releasing Kanu before the Imo elections was dangerous
It was alleged that the President said, “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 have peace. The zone has witnessed major security challenges where armed security militia, ESN has killed several souls” The fake news on Uzodimma claimed.
Reacting, Onanuga urged Imo people to disregard the alleged fake news against Uzodinma.
The terse statement reads: “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 build some resentment against the governor, who has done very well for his people and who deserves a second term via Saturday’s election.
“President Tinubu did not meet Igbo businessmen on Monday. He didn’t say what was ascribed to him. He didn’t blame Gov. Uzodimma for anything.
“Sahara Reporters did not report the fake news. The link provided did not lead to the fake news on the Sahara Reporters platform.
“It’s all wicked lies by politically desperate people.”