Kenneth Okonkwo, a Nollywood Actor and Lawyer, has ardently called for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Speaking in an interview on Arise TV's News Day programme, he argued that freeing Kanu would be a tactical step towards achieving peace and reconciliation in Nigeria's southeastern region.
In his appeal, Okonkwo underscored the numerous benefits that releasing Kanu could bring, suggesting that the federal government has multiple pathways to facilitate this process.
He stressed that such a decision could play a pivotal role in stabilising the region, which has been plagued by persistent tension and unrest.
Okonkwo noted the changing public perception of Kanu due to his prolonged imprisonment, asserting that keeping Kanu behind bars only serves to enhance his stature while diminishing the government's credibility.
He argued that each day Kanu remains incarcerated, his influence grows, while the government's image continues to erode.
Drawing parallels with the treatment of others in similar situations, Okonkwo called for a more intelligent and strategic approach from the federal government.
He urged the authorities to release Kanu, rehabilitate him, and foster reconciliation.
He suggested that such an approach would align with broader efforts to fully integrate the southeast into the nation, thereby promoting national unity and peace.
Okonkwo believes that a conciliatory approach would not only benefit Kanu but also help heal the fractures within the country.
He pointed out that Kanu's continued imprisonment could inadvertently make him a martyr in the eyes of his supporters, further complicating efforts to achieve lasting peace in the region.
Okonkwo said, "The federal government has a lot of places it can stand to release Nnamdi Kanu and bring peace to the southeast. He is now more likely a political prisoner.
"I tell you something: the longer Nnamdi Kanu is in prison, the taller he becomes and the shorter the government becomes.
"They should take the intelligent way and release him like they did to other people.
"They should rehabilitate him and reconcile him, as they are reconciling Southeast completely to the nation."
Watch the interview video here (start from 1:22).