The Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, has disclosed that Federal Government is ready and willing to negotiatiate the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, but insists it should not be used as a condition for political support, reports BudsinessTodayNG.
Umahi, who made this disclosure on the night of Friday, 4 July, 2025 while addressing newsmen in Lagos, also dismissed reports suggesting that the South East was making Kanu’s release a prerequisite for backing President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“Somebody asked me about Nnamdi Kanu, and I said his matter is not a condition for the South East to support the President.
“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 minister, who showered praises on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his performance in office so far, said the president is a “listening leader” and expressed belief that Kanu’s release would eventually come through “divine grace and dialogue,” not pressure or political demands.
“President Tinubu may not be perfect, but he is doing most things right.
“Look at where he picked up the economy from. The international community has confidence in his reforms. That is why we are getting support for our projects,” Umahi said, just as he affirmed that the South East geopolitical zone is fully behind Tinubu and will support his re-election in 2027.
Highlighting ongoing federal projects in the region, Umahi cited road rehabilitation works and other infrastructure developments abandoned by previous administrations.
“Let those criticising the President show us what they have done for the country,” he added.