South East Traditional Rulers Demand The Immediate Release Of Nnamdi Kanu

South East Traditional rulers have demanded from the Federal Government of Nigeria the immediate release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The monarchs who made the demand under their umbrella body of South East Council of Traditional Rulers, called on President Muhammadu Buhari to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from detention and hand him over untouched into the hands of the Igbo traditional rulers and religious leaders.

Rising from a meeting, the royal fathers expressed worry over the escalation of crisis in the South East with the attendant hardship on the people. They lamented that they have watched with utter dismay and sadness the rapid deterioration of the affairs of Igboland resulting in gruesome killings, destruction of properties, a general atmosphere of fear and a progressive military takeover of Igbo home land.

Besides the five South East States, the monarchs said; “in other Igbo speaking areas, there is a distinct feeling of disaffection, frustration and distrust, all of which are alien to our culture and tradition as a people”.

They called on President Muhammadu Buhari to show sagacity, pragmatism, statesmanship and fatherliness by de-proscribing the IPOB as a terrorist organization.

In a 15-paragragh statement signed by Eze Joseph N. Nwabeke, the Chairman, Abia State Traditional Rulers Council, Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, the Chairman, Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe L.O.C. Agubuzu, the Chairman, Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council and Eze Dr. E.C. Okeke, the Chairman Imo State Traditional Rulers Council, they also called on President Muhammadu Buhari to de-escalate the military presence in the South East zone.

While engaging Buhari, the monarchs also urged all stakeholders in the entire cross section of Alaigbo to sheat their swords and let us rally together for mutual forgiveness and healing so as to reset our strategy for engaging meaningfully with our fellow citizens in other parts of the country.

“Cutting our nose to spite out face does not help our present situation. It is senseless to destroy our home land or contribute to its destruction in order for us to prove our marginalization”.

The royal fathers noted that the present challenges in Alaigbo and the entire nation is not insurmountable if genuinely addressed with honesty, mutual respect and full recognition that lasting peace and progress would come from a dialogue and not through arm conflict or a general atmosphere of fear and intimidation.

The Monarchs therefore urged President Muhammadu Buhari to show sagacity, pragmatism, statesmanship and release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu into the hands of Igbo tradition leaders and religious leaders so that peace and tranquility can reign again in the south east.