The Presidency has refuted reports suggesting that Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State obstructed President Bola Tinubu from facilitating the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Earlier on Tuesday, reports had made rounds that President Tinubu told Igbo businessmen in Lagos that the Imo state governor was blocking the release of the IPOB leader because of the November 11 governorship election in the state.
But in a statement issued later on Tuesday, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, categorically labeled the reports as fake news.
He clarified that there was no meeting between Tinubu and Igbo businessmen aimed at securing Kanu’s release.
Responding to the allegations, Onanuga called on the people of Imo State to dismiss the unfounded news and allegations against Uzodimma.
The statement reads, “The people of Imo State should please disregard the fake news in circulation that Governor Hope Uzodimma is blocking the release of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu by President Bola Tinubu.
“The fake news is designed to build some resentment against the governor, who has done very well for his people and who deserves a second term via Saturday’s election.
“President Tinubu did not meet Igbo businessmen on Monday. He didn’t say what was ascribed to him. He didn’t blame Gov. Uzodimma for anything.
“Sahara Reporters did not report the fake news. The link provided did not lead to the fake news on the Sahara Reporters platform.
“It’s all wicked lies by politically desperate people.”
