From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri
The Association of Igbo Town Unions (ASITU), the foremost grassroots organisation in Igboland, has disagreed with the recent claim by the Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, that the continual detention of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu is not the cause of the worsening insecurity in the zone.
National President of the association Chief Emeka Diwe in a statement he released to newsmen at the weekend insisted that Kanu’s continued incarceration had been hijacked by criminals to make life miserable for the people of Southeast.
While acknowledging Soludo’s clamour for Kanu’s release, Diwe maintained that the only end to insecurity threats in the region is the release of the IPOB leader.
He said: “While we deeply appreciate Governor Soludo’s consistent advocacy for Kanu’s release, we disagree with his assertion that Kanu’s detention is unrelated to the worsening insecurity in the Southeast.
“For years, ASITU has maintained a firm and informed position on this issue namely: the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is crucial to ending the wave of violence and insecurity in the region.
“This is because many of the criminal elements responsible for the killings, kidnappings, and destruction across Igboland justify their actions as part of the struggle for Kanu’s freedom. This reality cannot be ignored.
“The continued detention of the IPOB leader has over time provided an excuse for rogue elements and criminal gangs to continue their atrocities under the guise of agitation,” Diwe said.
Then he added: “By granting Kanu his freedom, the Federal Government would remove the single most exploited pretext for violence in the South-East. This would immediately create an atmosphere where genuine peace efforts can take root, allowing for clear distinctions between genuine agitators and opportunistic criminals.
He therefore called on the governor to fully align himself with the majority of the people calling for Kanu’s release, pointing out that “Kanu’s freedom remains important to restoring stability in the region.
Against this background, ASITU implored on the Federal Government to immediately and unconditionally release Kanu in the interest of justice, peace, and national unity.