The Federal Government says it is open to negotiating 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.

Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, stated this on Friday night while addressing journalists in Lagos.

He 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 hailed 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.

He also 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.

On the claim that the South East is being marginalised in federal appointments, Umahi dismissed it, arguing that Tinubu had done more for the region than many past leaders.

He called on political leaders in the South East to unite across party lines, noting that even opposition governors in the region were collaborating well with the President.

Responding to speculations about his political ambition, Umahi clarified that he had no plans to contest for the presidency in 2027.

He said, “I will not run. I will work for my boss, President Tinubu.

“APC is the path to achieving what we want.

“The South East now has a voice at the centre.

“We will not return to Egypt.” (Saturday PUNCH, but headline rejigged)

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