Igbo elders from across the South East on Wednesday stormed the Abia State Government House, Umuahia, demanding the “immediate and unconditional release” of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The elders, who converged from different states in the region, gathered at the main entrance of the Government House to deliver their message to Governor Alex Otti.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Chief Chukwuemeka Ezebuiro said Kanu’s prolonged detention had become unbearable, raising concerns over his deteriorating health and the rising insecurity across the South East.
He urged Governor Otti to rally other South East governors to lead a delegation to President Bola Tinubu to press for Kanu’s release, stressing that a united voice from the region’s political elites would compel the Federal Government to act.
Chief Chinedu Obilor, another member of the delegation, argued that if the Federal Government could dialogue with bandits, it should be willing to embrace a political solution to Kanu’s matter.
Responding on behalf of Governor Otti, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Kenneth Kalu, and the Chief of Staff, Caleb Ajagba, commended the elders for their peaceful approach and promised that their message would be conveyed to the appropriate authorities.
Governor Otti urged them to remain calm and law-abiding, assuring that their grievances would be given due consideration.
