Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Ojukwu, has appealed to the Federal Government to release Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), as a step towards restoring peace in the South-East region.
Speaking at the 13th memorial anniversary of her late husband, Odumegwu Ojukwu, in Owerri, Ojukwu stressed that Kanu’s release would fast-track development and bring an end to insecurity in Igboland.
“There are so many killings, unrest, and kidnappings going on today in the region, which is not how it used to be,” Ojukwu lamented, calling for an end to violent acts and urging perpetrators to embrace peace.
She emphasized that Kanu’s release would be a unifying factor, adding, “If Kanu is released, it will fast-track development in the region.” Ojukwu also condemned the “sit-at-home” directives by non-state actors, which she said have displaced many Igbo people from their homes, with some now forced to make burial arrangements abroad due to insecurity.
Chief Raph Uwazuruike, leader of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, echoed Ojukwu’s sentiments, urging the government to act decisively to restore peace in the region.
“The release of Kanu would help the region experience peace again,” Uwazuruike stated.
Meanwhile, guest speaker Prof. Protus Uzorma highlighted the urgent need for unity among the Igbo, calling for an end to violence and a return to the values of peace, enterprise, and community that the region was known for before the current wave of insecurity.
