“We are willing to negotiate his release, but no one should make it a condition because the President did not put him there,” Umahi said.
The Federal Government says it is willing to negotiate the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, but insists his case must not be politicised.
Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, told journalists in Lagos on Friday that the South East should not set Kanu’s release as a precondition for supporting President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“We are willing to negotiate his release, but no one should make it a condition because the President did not put him there,” Umahi said.
He praised Tinubu’s leadership, describing him as a “listening leader” whose economic reforms have restored international confidence.
“The South East is fully behind President Tinubu,” Umahi stated, citing ongoing federal projects in the region.
On speculation about his 2027 ambitions, Umahi clarified: “I will not run. I will work for my boss, President Tinubu.”
He urged unity among South East leaders and dismissed claims of marginalisation in federal appointments.