The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization conveyed to Bola Tinubu on Thursday that the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), would be a highly appreciated “Christmas gift” for the people of the Southeast.
The appeal comes in response to Chief of Defence Staff Christopher Musa’s recent remarks implicating self-proclaimed Biafra agitator Simon Ekpa in undermining security efforts in the Southeast.
Ohanaeze, however, contends that extending clemency to Kanu would not only facilitate the work of security forces, as suggested by Musa, but also diminish the significance of Ekpa’s influence.
The socio-cultural organization asserted that Kanu’s release could potentially bring an end to the perceived security challenges in the Southeast, emphasizing that criminals exploiting his name contribute to the artificial insecurities in the region.
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Okechukwu Isisguzoro, the factional Secretary-General of Ohanaeze, expressed concern in a signed statement that individuals with malicious intent have exploited the Biafra agitation to perpetrate acts of terror in the Southeast, particularly by killer herders and other criminal elements.
The statement reads: “Ohanaeze Ndigbo urges President Tinubu, as a respected political father of the nation, to consider the plights and predicaments of the Southeasterners and release Nnamdi Kanu in time for them to enjoy their Christmas and New Year festivals in a serene environment and peaceful atmosphere.
“If peace is restored in the Southeast through the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the services of the Chief of Defense Staff and Security Chiefs to maintain peace will no longer be necessary in the region.
“It is disheartening to note that the people of the Southeast have suffered unjustly at the hands of Fulani herdsmen and criminals who have exploited the Biafra struggle to terrorize the region. Ohanaeze Ndigbo is shocked that the Chief of Defense Staff and Security Chiefs have not investigated or spoken out about the discovery of over 70 persons brutally murdered by herdsmen operating from the Lokpanta Cattle Market in Leru Umunneochi, Abia State.
“The sources of insecurity challenges in the Southeast are primarily the activities of Fulani herdsmen and criminals who use the name of the Biafra agitation as a cover. The Southeast region has lost over 42 trillion naira since the incarceration of Nnamdi Kanu and the criminal invasions of Fulani herdsmen during the Buhari administration. Ohanaeze Ndigbo calls on Tinubu to address the shortcomings of the past administration that have led to the current insecurity challenges in the Southeast.
“The release of Nnamdi Kanu will not only bring solace to the people but also restore confidence in the leadership’s commitment to the welfare and security of the Igbo people.”