Victor EzejaUrge FG To Explore Dialogue In Addressing Issues Threatening National Unity
SOUTHEAST Council of Traditional Rulers and representatives of Igbo Bishops and Archbishops have called for the release of the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu by the Nigerian Government as part of steps to de-escalate the instability which has created an atmosphere of insecurity in the region.
The groups made the call in a joint statement issued on Saturday, 30th October to address rising tension in the Southeast region in recent times, sparked by the Biafran agitators’ protest against the continued detention of Kanu in DSS custody, since his capture in Kenya and repatriation to Nigeria in June this year.
Part of IPOB’s protest strategy is organizing sit-at-home exercises which have to a significant level, disrupted economic activities in the region and also led to the loss of lives and properties, which has consequently deepened the hardship of the people.
The traditional rulers and the clergies also urged the Federal Government to explore the option of dialogue and negotiation in resolving critical issues that threaten national unity, cohesion and development, rather than resorting to using heavy military force to address the issue.
They advised that the issue of marginalization of the Southeast should be addressed, noting that it was at the core of the cause of agitations in the region.
The statement reads, “We, the South East Council of Traditional Rulers and the Representatives of Igbo Archbishops and Bishops, note with deep concern the high level of insecurity and socio-economic disruption in the South East Zone of Nigeria. This has deepened the hardships being faced by the citizens and rendered prostrate the socio-political and economic lives of our people.
“Accordingly, we refer to our earlier request for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to the South East Council of Traditional Rulers and the Representatives of Igbo Archbishops and Bishops and restate this call even more strongly. We are of the firm belief that this act of courage and statesmanship is not only imperative but will speedily de-escalate the heightened state of insecurity and dislocation in the South East Zone.
“We also urge President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) and the Federal Government to take immediate steps to de-proscribe the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and release all IPOB members being held in various detention facilities in Nigeria.”
They also demanded that the government demilitarize the region by reducing the level of military presence in different states in the area and move towards finding sustainable political solutions to the lingering crisis. They observed that the heavy presence of military officials in the area has often resulted in skirmishes between the youths in the area and security officials, leading to the loss of lives.
They further urged the people especially the youths to be law-abiding, and also pleaded with them to avoid any action that will disrupt the forthcoming governorship election in Anambra State.
They also enjoined all candidates in the election to eschew all forms of violence and remain committed to ensuring a free, fair and credible election that would produce the next governor of the state.
IPOB had threatened that there would be no election in Anambra if their leader, Kanu is not released.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
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