South-East govs seek political solution for Nnamdi Kanu’s release

South-East Governors Forum says it will seek a political solution for the release of the leader of the Proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, who is currently in detention.

The governors disclosed this in a communique issued at the end of the forum’s meeting held at the Government House, Enugu on Sunday.

“We are watching with keen interest, the developments with respect to the case of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu viz-a-viz the Appeal Court rulings. Political solution is still possible in this circumstance,” the forum stated.

The governors, who met for the first time this year after they met last in October 2021, decried the state of insecurity in the region, stating that economic activities have come to a halt in the zone while kidnapping and wanton killing had become the order of the day.

“We call on the Federal Government to come to our aid in providing security in the zone bearing in mind that elections are around the corner.

“We have also agreed to set up a 24-hour Joint Patrol in all major highways within the Southeast, especially during the Christmas season,” they said.

The governors, however, denied creating Eastern Security Network (ESN), noting that they formed Ebubeagu and Forest Guards to provide security for the region.

They further commended states and the Federal Governments on efforts to alleviate the sufferings of victims of the recent flood menace in the country, adding: “We hope, however, that long-term solution is desirable. South-East Governors have decided to put funds together to further assist the victims of flooding in our five States in the South East.

“We also plead with the Federal Government to please initiate action in the dredging of rivers in the South East, to ameliorate the destruction of houses, farmlands, and properties.

“The Federal Government should come to the aid of the victims in terms of rehabilitation of the internally displaced persons,” the governors appealed.

The meeting was attended by Governors Dave Umahi (Ebonyi), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu).

Governors of Anambra and Imo states, Prof. Charles Soludo and Sen. Hope Uzodinma were represented by their deputies, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezi and Prof Placid Njoku, respectively.

The Star

Segun Ojo