IPOB: Failure To Release Nnamdi Kanu Will Squash Established Peace In S/East – Igbo Bishops

South East Council of Traditional Rulers and the Representatives of Igbo Archbishops and Bishops have called for the immediate release of detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.

In a statement made available to newsmen on Sunday (today), the group lamented the continuous detention of the IPOB leader, noting that failure to let go of the Biafran agitator would squash the already established peace in the South-East region.

This is as the monarchs and respected clergymen commended IPOB for allowing the just concluded Anambra State governorship election to hold successfully and peacefully.

The statement signed by His Grace, Most Rev. Anthony Obinna, His Majesty, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, and His Grace, Most Rev. (Dr) Chibuzo Raphael Opoko, JP, also thanked residents of Anambra State, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Security Forces, the National Peace Committee, and all the other actors who played major roles in the November 6 polls which was later extended with days for completion.

According to the joint group, IPOB listening to its appeal by calling off the Monday sit-at-home order brought about some relief to the already distressed social and economic life of the citizens of the state.

However, the joint body said it is highly disturbed by the persistent complaints by the IPOB legal team about the difficulties it encounters in dealing with the Department of State Services (DSS) and, especially, the sad events which occurred during Kanu’s appearance in court last Wednesday, November 10.

It urged the court to affirm the fundamental rights of Kanu, his lawyers, and other stakeholders.

“Failure to do so would lend weight to the suspicion in some quarters of a planned secret trial, as well as neutralise all the efforts being made to establish peace in the South East,” the group noted.

The statement further acknowledged the comment by the Attorney-General & Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami SAN, which affirmed that the Federal Government was open to a political solution to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s case.

“This statement is in line with the proposal earlier made by this Joint Body and by other well-meaning persons and groups in Nigeria. This body therefore eagerly awaits the concrete steps that would be taken in this regard,” it said.

“We acknowledge the roles played by various other Igbo organizations and groups in fostering peace in the South-East zone and call on all to sustain the current effort until true peace, based on justice and equity, is achieved in our land,” it added.