Anyaso Condemns Kanu’s Life Sentence, Says ‘Southeast Is Bleeding’ in Emotional Letter to Tinubu
“Dr. Chima Anyaso condemns Nnamdi Kanu’s life sentence, describing the Southeast as “bleeding” in an emotional open letter to President Tinubu. He urges a review of the decade-long prosecution and subsequent conviction of Kanu, while highlighting the growing despair among Igbo youths.”
Dr. Chima Anyaso, President of the Chima Anyaso Foundation (CAF), has expressed profound sadness over what he describes as the “glaring dehumanisation and victimisation” of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
His reaction follows the verdict delivered by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, who on Wednesday convicted and sentenced Kanu to life imprisonment on terrorism-related charges.
Kanu, a native of Isiama-Afaraukwu Ibeku in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State and son of the late His Royal Majesty, Eze Israel Kanu, has been in detention and prosecution for nearly ten years—an ordeal many in the Southeast describe as “politically motivated and targeted intimidation against the region.”
According to Famousreporters.com, Kanu, popularly referred to as the Ohamadike of Igbo Land, has consistently advocated for a referendum, citing decades of marginalisation, subjugation, and alleged victimisation of the Igbo people. His agitation is further fuelled by persistent reports of violent attacks, killings, and sexual assaults attributed to armed herdsmen operating across farmlands and communities in the Southeast.
In an open letter responding to the judgment, Dr. Anyaso, visibly distressed by what he termed the “agony of oppression” inflicted on Kanu, appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to review the prolonged prosecution and conviction of the IPOB leader.
The emotionally saddled philanthropist lamented the psychological and social toll the judgment has inflicted on the region, particularly its young population.
“The Southeast is bleeding,” he wrote.
“Our youths are losing hope. Families are living in fear. The longer this drags on, the deeper the insecurity grows — and nobody wins in the end.”
Anyaso called on President Tinubu to embrace a path of justice, healing, and national unity, insisting that resolving Kanu’s case remains pivotal to restoring peace in the Southeast.
The letter read in detail:
As a young man from the South East, I’ve tried to stay quiet about the Mazi Nnamdi Kanu matter not out of fear, not out of weakness, but because I have always believed that anger alone cannot solve our problems. But today, my heart is heavy.
What is happening to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has gone beyond politics. It has become a painful reminder of how much hurt, frustration, and abandonment my people feel. Every young Igbo man I know carries this burden in one way or another… and the tension is eating deep into the soul of our region.
Mr. President, we are begging with respect:
Please, look into this case again. The South East is bleeding. Our youths are losing hope. Families are living in fear. The longer this drags on, the deeper the insecurity grows and nobody wins in the end.
We are not asking for special treatment… we are asking for fairness. For understanding. For a political solution that will help calm our land and give our young people a chance to breathe again.
I speak today because silence can be misunderstood. I am not weak. I love my people. And I love this country enough to say the truth:
Peace in the South East is possible but justice must lead the way.
May God touch the hearts of our leaders and heal our land.
Dr Chimaobi Desmond ANYASO
OFUJI NDI IGBO.
