Critical Igbo stakeholders including Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Igbo Elders Council, Council of Traditional Rulers, South East region, South East Governors Forum among others have consistently raised alarm cum concern over the persistent security challenges in the region.
They have as well as made clarion calls and offered advices to the Federal Government, now led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the immediate release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indegenious People of Biafra, IPOB as a means to curb the security menace.
This was backed by the fact that they all identified the continous detention of Kanu as the chief reason for the spate of insecurity across Igboland, which to a large extent has adversely affected socio-economic life of the people.
Recall that few days ago, the House of Representative Ad hoc committee set up to interface with relevant security agencies to reduce kidnapping, assassinations and banditry in and around Isiukwuato and Umunnochi Local Government Area of Abia State, also demanded for the release of the IPOB leader as a prerequisite for peace in the South East region.
The lawmakers stressed that instances of criminal activities, banditry, kidnapping, assassinations, communal and religious clashes, and threats to life have shaken the very foundation of our societies.
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According to the Chairman of the committee, Hon. Obinna Aguocha at a meeting held in Abuja, "for absolute peace, reduction of crime and criminality, investment in meaningful infrastructure development, ending the unproductive sit-at-home and improving economic growth and opportunities in the South East, starts with the government’s recognition of the rule of law, justice and equitable inclusion of the South East zone."
He furthered that, "to achieve the project Nigeria, the unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from unlawful detention to ensure lasting peace and security in the entire region cannot be over emphasized."
“The challenges we face are not mere statistics or headlines; they are real-life manifestations that affect the lives of our people, disrupt the functioning of our institutions and communities, thus impeding the growth of our region”.
“As leaders and stakeholders, it is incumbent upon us to come together, transcending our differences, to find sustainable solutions that will quell these threats and pave the way for a brighter future.
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To this end, a source close to the Aso Villa told Society Mirror that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is currently under intense pressure to listen to the clarion calls of Igbo leaders and act accordingly.
It is also believed that Mr. President in his determined efforts to garner goodwill and support from all Nigerians to his alleged illegitimate government would consider activating immediate release of Kanu to score political goal and appease the Igbos.
