South East
Council of Traditional Rulers and the Representatives of Igbo Archbishops and Bishops
have strongly again called on the Federal Government to release the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
The leaders have 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.
In a joint statement signed in Enugu by the South East Council of Traditional Rulers and the Representatives of Igbo Archbishops and Bishops, they also urged 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 expressed deep concern, over the high level of insecurity and socio-economic disruption in the South
East Zone of Nigeria.
According to them, this has deepened the hardships being faced by the citizens and rendered prostrate
the socio-political and economic lives of the people.
Flowing from similar initiatives taken to bring peace to other troubled parts of the country, the statement
urged the Federal Government and other stakeholders to explore dialogue and negotiation in resolving critical issues that threaten national unity, cohesion and development.
They further called on the Federal Government to take urgent steps to demilitarize the South East Zone,
moreso 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 the youths.
According to the South East Council of Traditional Rulers and Representatives of Igbo Archbishops and Bishops, it has become urgent, imperative and compelling to de-emphasize the military option and move
towards finding a political solution that will lead to sustainable peace.
The Traditional Rulers and Pulpit managers asserted that heightened inequality and marginalization remain at the core of youth restiveness
in the south east region. Hence, they urged the region’s apex National Leadership to note that until it takes deliberate steps to run
government on the basis of fairness, equity, justice and non-discrimination, this restiveness is likely to
continue.
However, the peace promoters said they shall respectfully seek audience with Mr President to discuss these issues in exploring political
solution and the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
They added, “On our part, we assure our youths that we have heard their cries of marginalization, injustice and
long suffering. As concerned parents, we feel your pain. However, we urge you to de-escalate the tension
and remain law-abiding to enable us to engage especially the Federal Government in finding a lasting Solution to the crisis”.
“Consistent with the above, we urge IPOB not to do anything that would hinder or be seen to be
hindering the smooth running of the forthcoming Governorship Election in Anambra State and to cancel all scheduled sit-at-home orders, as these have already caused untold hardship for our people”.
Meanwhile, the leaders
also called on all the candidates in the forthcoming Anambra State Governorship Election holding this coming Saturday, 6th November, 2021 to eschew violence and commit to free, fair and credible election.
Signed:
H.M. Igwe Charles Mkpuma
Chairman,
Ebonyi State Traditional Rulers Council &
Chairman,
South East Council of Traditional Rulers.
H.M. Obi Nnaemeka Achebe, CFR
Chairman,
Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council
H.M. Igwe Amb L. O. C. Agubuzu, OON
Chairman,
Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council
H.M. Eze Dr. E. C. Okeke
Chairman,
Imo State Traditional Rulers Council
Most Rev. Dr. Anthony J. V. Obinna
Catholic Archbishop of Owerri
Most Rev. Dr. Chibuzo R. Opoko, TFG, DOB, JP
Methodist Archbishop of Umuahia
Most Rev. Dr. Valerian M. Okeke
Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha
Most Rev. Dr Uma A. Onwunta
Past Principal Clerk Presbyterian Church Nigeria
Rev. Dr. Abraham Nwali
Chairman, CAN, South East Zone.
