From Nabob Ogbonna, Abakiliki
The leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, yesterday appealed to the chairman, South East governors’ forum, Sen. Hope Uzodimma of Imo state to convene a meeting so as to harmonise smooth released of the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (lPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and secure security in the region.
Mazi Kanu has spent about five years undergoing trail with the federal government over some alleged charges.
The Secretary general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro made this known in a statement issued on Monday and was made available to Journalists.
Isiguzoro mentioned traditional rulers, governors of the region, past and current federal lawmakers of south east extraction, stakeholders among who were past governors, ministers, renowned clergymen are to attend.
He also suggested that some key Biafra agitators, and the leadership of Indigenous People of Biafra (lPOB) should be invited in the meeting.
His words: “We displayed a lack of understanding by placing unwarranted reliance on President Tinubu for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, without taking the necessary steps to address the underlying issues.
“On this note, Ohanaeze Ndigbo emphasizes that the only viable solution for the release of Nnamdi Kanu lies in engaging in confidential dialogues with all non-state actors and Biafran agitators.
“And that is what the federal government expects Ndigbo to engage in constructive dialogue, finding common ground and establishing a unified agenda before approaching the government with certified conditions for Kanu’s release.
“In light of these circumstances, Ohanaeze Ndigbo calls on Southeast Governors, led by the Imo state governor, Sen. Hope Uzodimma to convene a dialogue meeting with Biafra agitators inclusive.
“Traditional rulers, the College of Igbo Bishops, leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, federal lawmakers of Igbo extraction not past and present, ministers, governors and stakeholders from South East are to be in attendance.
“This inclusive gathering is essential for resolving the issues at hand. Without such a meeting, genuine pathways to peace in the Southeast may continue to elude us”, he explained.