Igbo Archbishops, Royal Fathers Demand Kanu’s Release, Demilitarisation of South-east

By Kingsley Nwezeh

The South East Council of Traditional Rulers and the representatives of Igbo Archbishops and Bishops, at the weekend, called on the federal government to release the detained leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), Mr. Nnamdi Kanu.

They also urged the President Muhammadu Buhari-led federal government to take immediate steps to de-proscribe IPOB and release all IPOB members being held in various detention facilities in Nigeria.

In addition, the group urged government to seek the part of dialogue and negotiation in resolving the crisis in the region even as it lamented the untold hardship brought upon the people of the region by insecurity.

The group made an empathic call on the federal government to end the marginalition of the South-east and adopt the policy of fairness in the management of the nation.
A statement jointly signed by the Anglican Archbishop of Enugu, Most Rev. Dr. Emmanuel O. Chukwuma; Chairman, Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, HRM, Obi Nnaemeka Achebe; and Chairman, Ebonyi State Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Igwe Charles Mkpuma, among others, urged government to speedily de-escalate the heightened state of insecurity and dislocation in the South-east zone.
“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.
“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,” it said.
The leaders of thought said it was their considered view that the continued military siege on the region would lead to heightened tension and bloodletting.

“We call on the federal government to take urgent steps to demilitarise the South East Zone, more so as it has become apparent that a continued military siege on the region can only lead to heightened tension, skirmishes and endless bloodletting between the security agencies and our youths.

“It has become urgent, imperative and compelling to de-emphasise the military option and move towards finding a political solution that will lead to sustainable peace,” the statement stated.