The Igbo socio-political group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has appealed to the Federal Government for the release of the Indigenous People of Biafra leader, Nnamdi Kanu, for the sake of peace in the South East.
Recall that, Kanu was arrested by the former President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), for treason, although he has been acquitted by the Court of Appeal.
The Sun reported that the President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, on Saturday, made the appeal at the inauguration of the women and youth wing of the group in Abuja.
Iwuanyanwu, who was represented by the Secretary of Igbo Elders Consultative Forum, Prof Charles Nwekeadu, noted that the appointment of 100 service chiefs from the South East would not impact on the people of the region until Kanu is left off the hook.
He said, “If you ask me, my advice to Mr President is that what the South East needs is security.
“Even if you appoint 100 service chiefs without the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra, you will not have peace.
“His release is central and fundamental to peace mechanism in Igbo land. Without releasing Nnamdi Kanu there is not much the service chiefs can do. Because of leadership vacuum created over time people believe much in Nnamdi Kanu.
“We are pleading with the Federal Government to obey court judgment. 18-man panel unanimously of the Court of Appeal unanimously discharged and acquitted Mr Nnamdi Kanu.
“So, we are asking that this very government should obey the order. The moment Nnamdi Kanu is released there will be peace in Igbo land.
“And the Igbos will have that sense of belonging because Nnamdi Kanu is a freedom fighter. He hasn’t committed any criminal offense.”
Also, former governor of Anambra State, Chukwuemeka Eziefe, said the present administration of President Bola Tinubu seems fair in the appointment so far compared to that of President Muhammadu Buhari whom he said neglected the South East region.
Represented by Secretary of Igbo Elders Consultative Forum Prof Charles Nwekeadu, he said: “As a matter of fact, I will not say I have details of all the appointment. But I believe that more are yet to be done.
“You are talking of Igbo, Igbos are about the largest ethnic group. It is among the first two largest ethnic group in the country. So as what others have got and you ask what the Igbos have got. The Igbos are still marginalised.
“But I wan to say that this one is better of that the era of immediate administration of Buhari. The Igbos were completely neglected. Igbo has got their fair share in this federation. But it is better than before.”
