The governor claimed that Kanu’s release will accelerate the President’s already started national healing process.

The self-declared leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, has begun negotiations for his release. He has asked President Bola Tinubu to give the subject careful attention in order to extend a hand of friendship to the people of the South-East.

Following a private meeting with the President on Thursday, Mbah informed State House reporters that one of the topics discussed included the potential release of the secessionist activist who has received a number of positive court rulings on his prosecution.

The governor claimed that Kanu’s release will accelerate the President’s already started national healing process.

He expressed the wish that the request would be given the President’s positive attention.

Mbah also revealed that he made a plea to the federal government for help in exploring the rich mineral riches in Enugu State for the good of the populace.

The Enugu governor stated in a statement to State House reporters following his meeting with the President, “We have a number of dominant assets in Enugu that we believe we can turn into productive assets by working with the Federal Government.

Many individuals are unaware of the vast mineral riches we have in a new group. And these riches are doing nothing beneath our ground. So, we think we can turn these assets into productive assets through the partnership we’re essentially forming with the federal government.

“Of course, you are aware that the growth rate we have suggested will be driven by the private sector, and the private sector wants the ease of doing business, and infrastructure and security are two key indicators of this ease of doing business.

“So, we also spoke with Mr. President about that. We have made a statement that is quite firm. On Mondays, we have outlawed staying in Enugu. And naturally, that means that we will need to increase our security and deal with the issues that will arise as a result. In essence, that is why I have come here.

“And finally, of course, we also discussed Nnamdi Kanu’s release. You are aware that the South East has united in calling for Nnamdi Kanu’s release. In essence, we related to that and made a request to the president, who in his inaugural speech promised the people that he would promote national reconciliation and act with compassion.

We basically told him that this would serve as a sign that his administration was reaching out in friendship.