Socialite and entrepreneur Cubana Chief Priest has called on the South-East to rally behind President Bola Tinubu, arguing that political alignment with the president could pave the way for the release of detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu and secure broader benefits for the region.
Chief Priest made the remarks on Wednesday, February 18, on his social media handle while reacting to a viral video of Igwe Lawrence Agubuzu, the traditional ruler of Ezema Olo Kingdom in Enugu State, who appealed directly to Tinubu during a summit in Abuja to facilitate Kanu’s release.
The socialite praised the monarch for making the trip to Abuja and delivering the message to the president in person.
“The message is very clear. God bless Your Royal Highness for partaking in Nigeria’s future. If His Highness had not gone to Abuja, how would Asiwaju have received this message?” Chief Priest wrote.
He urged the South-East to adopt a more strategic political approach rather than oppose the federal government, suggesting that supporting Tinubu could yield results the region has been seeking.
“We cannot fight the government. If Asiwaju frees MNK, the Igwe has already paved the way. Let’s get along with Nigeria. Tinubu won the last election without the South-East,” he said.
READ ALSO: Release Nnamdi Kanu Or Return Him To Kenya — Enugu Monarch Tells Tinubu
Chief Priest argued that backing Tinubu was the most practical path for the region, given the president’s political dominance.
“He will win again, so why not give him our votes so he can do what we ask in return? Hopefully, he will hand over power to an Igbo man,” he added.
He also pointed to Tinubu’s unmatched political machinery as a reason for the South-East to reconsider its stance.
“He has the best political structure in the country to win elections. The Igbo’s best stake is on Asiwaju. Let’s think it through and not waste our votes,” Chief Priest said.
The remarks come amid growing calls from various quarters in the South-East for the release of Kanu, who was sentenced to life imprisonment in November 2025 on terrorism charges.
The IPOB leader is currently being held at a correctional facility in Sokoto State and has appealed his conviction.