Leaders of the South-East region have asked visiting President Muhammadu Buhari to release Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, as the first step towards the restoration of peace in the area.
Buhari arrived Abakaliki, the capital of Ebonyi State on Thursday for a two-day visit. The leaders made the plea in an address during a meeting with the President at the Executive Council Chambers, New Government House Abakaliki.
The Chairman of South-East Traditional Rulers Council, Eze Charles Mkpuma, read the address.
He informed the President that Igbo leaders had begun discussions with the various groups and individuals in the Southeast towards bringing all of them to a resolution of the crises rocking the area for peace to be restored.
He also thanked the President for the construction of the Second Niger Bridge, Akanu Bbiam Airport, and other projects in the region.
The leader also solicited Buhari’s support in the quest by the Igbos for the region to produce the next president.
The demand by the leaders came after two days after Ohanaeze, the Pan-Igbo socio-cultural organization on Tuesday had declared that Buhari’s visit to Ebonyi would begin the process leading to Kanu’s release.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has given assurances of peace and security ahead of the planned presidential visit to Ebonyi State,” Ohanaeze said.
“This is part of the resolutions reached at the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Elders council meeting held in Abakiliki on Tuesday 3rd May 2022.
“For translucence and clarity of purpose, President Muhammadu Buhari has been fair to Ndigbo with federal projects irrespective of the fact that his party’s declined fortunes and acceptance in 2015 and 2019 elections in the southeast, but the Chairman of Southeast Governors and Ebonyi Governor, Engr Dave Nweze Umahi has brought good tidings and paid huge sacrifices for Ndigbo to access the presidency and attract federal government’s projects and attention to the southeast zone.
“The Elders council was presided over by Prince Dr Richard Ozobu insisted that this is the best opportunity for Igbo leaders with the southeast Governors to dialogue with President Buhari over the release of the Ipob leader Mazi Nnamdi Kalu.
“Ndigbo expectations are that such windows of opportunities must be fully utilized for positive results as President Buhari will be received warmly by Ndigbo, this will be one of the most remarkable visits of Mr President to the southeast, as we except that the President’s two days working visit to Ebonyi state will change the narratives that Buhari loves Ndigbo, and he will prove it by kick-starting the process that will release Nnamdi Kanu”.
“IPOB and other Biafra Agitators should hold their peace and remain loyal to the procedure that will help them achieve the release of their leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
“Buhari’s visit will usher in fresh hopes of having a Nigerian President of Igbo extraction and secure the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
“We are conscious of the fact that IPOB is cognisant of the process of releasing their leader is ongoing, and their proper attitudes and conduct are expected to solidify the process of Kanu’s release.
“We are welcoming President Buhari with an open mind and wish him a pleasant stay in Ebonyi State.”
