From Magnus Eze, Enugu
As the South East Security and Economic Summit kicks off today in Owerri, Imo State, a community leader in the state, Chief Innocent Okeke has said that the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), will douse tension in the region.
Archbishop of Enugu Province and Bishop, Anglican Diocese of Enugu, Most Rev. Emmanuel Chukwuma, during the thanksgiving of Ohanaeze Ndigbo at the church’s cathedral, last Sunday, restated the call for Kanu’s release to restore peace in the zone.
According to Okeke who is a stakeholder in Ihioma, Orlu Local Government Area, resolving the intractable insecurity in the South East was within the purview of the Federal Government.
He, therefore, called on President Bola Tinubu, to as a matter of urgency direct the release of the IPOB leader, who had been freed by courts of competent jurisdiction in the country.
Okeke described Kanu as a respected personality in Igboland, saying that “if he is released, he may be able to address the ongoing insecurity through his words alone.”
He added that a region experiencing marginalization should not be further suppressed.
“It is evident that the Federal Government of Nigeria is seemingly enjoying from the insecurity resulting from Nnamdi Kanu’s arrest and the subsequent killings in the Southeast, as they have failed to demonstrate their presence or exhibit genuine concern thus far.
“The actions of the Federal Government give the impression that the Southeast is not considered a part of Nigeria’s territory.
“I humbly suggest that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should seek a political resolution in the release of Nnamdi Kanu, who is currently held as a political prisoner in Nigeria. By doing so, peace can swiftly be restored. Once he is released, any other individual instigating trouble will be singled out, allowing for a clear understanding of whom they are fighting for. Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu should seize this opportunity to accomplish what President Buhari failed to do, as he was hindered by his adherence to the old order, which prioritizes vengeance.
By doing so, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu can establish a name for himself,” Okeke stated.