South East Church Leaders Appeal to President Tinubu: Call for Nnamdi Kanu’s Release in the Spirit of Peace, Unity, and National Healing

By The Revd Uruakpa Onyemaechi Charles | Methodist Blog

Enugu, Nigeria — September 15, 2025

A powerful collective voice has risen from the South East of Nigeria. Representatives of Igbo Archbishops and Bishops, under the platform “Fathers of Faith in Alaigbo for Peace and Justice,” have issued an open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, passionately urging him to release the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

The open letter, dated 15th September 2025, was addressed directly to the President and signed by five prominent church leaders:

• Most Rev. Dr. David O.C. Onuoha (Anglican Archbishop of Owerri, Chairman)
• Most Rev. Dr. Valerian Okeke (Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha)
• Most Rev. (Dr.) Chibuzo Raphael Opoko, TFSG, DOB, DSW, JP (Methodist Archbishop of Umuahia, Secretary General)
• Most Rev. Prof. Ezichi Anya Ituma (Moderator, Enugu Synod of the Presbyterian Church)
• Archbishop Goddy Okafor (Chairman Emeritus, CAN South East Zone)

Together, these clerics appealed to the President’s conscience, calling for an act of compassion, equity, and statesmanship that could restore peace and calm in a region grappling with insecurity, marginalization, and violent disruptions.

A Plea Rooted in Faith and Statesmanship

The Fathers of Faith acknowledged the judicial proceedings ongoing in court but insisted that “judicial resolution alone may not yield the lasting peace and reconciliation that Nigeria urgently requires.”

Instead, they stressed the need for mercy, reconciliation, and healing, pointing out that criminal elements had hijacked the South East agitation, fueling insecurity, economic collapse, and needless bloodshed.

The letter reads in part:

“Sometimes the logic of our common humanity must override legal arguments in the pursuit of justice. This moment calls for statesmanship and the political will to heal divisions through mercy and magnanimity.”

Why They Believe Tinubu’s Intervention Matters

The clerics outlined four major reasons why releasing Nnamdi Kanu would strengthen Nigeria’s unity:

1. Restoring Trust — Bridging the gap between the Federal Government and the South East.
2. Quelling Tension — Reducing insecurity and calming rising unease ahead of the October 10, 2025 court hearing.
3. Advancing Renewed Hope — Demonstrating Tinubu’s commitment to equity and inclusion under his Renewed Hope Agenda.
4. Strengthening Peace — Empowering church leaders to guide and counsel Kanu towards constructive engagement for national cohesion.

The Human Cost Behind Bars

In a deeply emotional appeal, the church leaders highlighted the personal tragedies that have marked Kanu’s incarceration: the loss of both his parents, buried the same day, and the toll on his health after years in detention.

They pleaded with Tinubu to act as a “father of the nation” and extend presidential mercy to “save one of your sons.”

Echoes of History

The Fathers of Faith reminded the President that past Nigerian leaders, both military and civilian, have granted pardon and amnesty in the interest of peace. They urged Tinubu to follow in that tradition of magnanimity, ensuring that history remembers him not only for the battles he fought but for the peace he secured.

A Call to Heal Nigeria

The letter concluded with a prayerful wish for Tinubu’s legacy to be one that united Nigeria, healed wounds, and inspired renewed hope across the land.

“May God bless Your Excellency, and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the bishops wrote.

Global and National Attention

This appeal is not just for President Tinubu alone. It speaks to:

• The Federal Government of Nigeria and its policy direction on peace and reconciliation.
• Governors of the South East, who must play their part in stabilizing the region.
• Church leaders across Nigeria, as moral guardians of the people.
• The political class and elites, who bear responsibility for shaping the nation’s destiny.
• The international community, who watch Nigeria as Africa’s largest democracy and economic hub.

Archbishop Goddy Okafor (Chairman Emeritus, CAN South East Zone)

Most Rev. Prof. Ezichi Anya Ituma (Moderator, Enugu Synod of the Presbyterian Church)

Most Rev. Dr. Valerian Okeke (Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha)

Most Rev. Dr. David O.C. Onuoha (Anglican Archbishop of Owerri, Chairman)

Most Rev. (Dr.) Chibuzo Raphael Opoko, TFSG, DOB, DSW, JP (Methodist Archbishop of Umuahia, Secretary General)

✍️ About the Author
The Revd Uruakpa Onyemaechi Charles is a Methodist priest, journalist, writer, and entrepreneur who blends spiritual insight with thought leadership in national discourse, peace-building, and public policy commentary