… Calls for release of IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu
From Petrus Obi, Enugu
Igbo apex socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has warned against what it calls repeated provocation by Fulani herdsmen. Ohanaeze said conduct of the herdsmen have totally depleted the agricultural vegetation in the South East.
The Igbo body also cried out to the Federal Government to come to the aid of the people of the zone by fixing dilapidated federal roads in the South East, which it said had become a death trap and source of concern to the people.
In an address he presented at this years’ Igbo Day held at the National Secretariat of the Ohanaeze, GRA Enugu, the President General, Chief Gary Igariwey, further demanded the release of Director of Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, who has been in detention since October 10, last year, over alleged treason charges, warning that his continued incarceration maybe responsible for the continued agitation for Biafra.
He noted that the repeated violent attack and killing of innocent people in the zone was not a welcome development. “A situation someone will keep his own farm, then brings his cattle to feed on the crops in another persons’ farm and then turns violently aggressive to his host, is to say the least.
“Ohanaeze feels that it might help to foster peace if the Federal Government comes out firm and stern, with pronouncement of this singular worrisome menace.
“There has always been ways these cattle were handled before now and there were little or no conflicts.”
The Igbo body charged the Federal Government and government of the South East to, as a matter of urgency, find a way to put-away the conflict resulting from the activities of these suspected Fulani herdsmen, warning that people were losing patience and might soon engage in self help.
The pan-Igbo group warned the Federal Government to reconsider its proposed sale of national assets while lamenting the deplorable state of federal roads in the region which had crippled the people’s economy.
in the address which was read by Ohaneze Vice President Chief OAU Onyema who represented the President General, Ohanaeze reiterated its position on the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu and urge the federal government to take a critical look at the reasons why the young man agitating without arms or element of violence will embark on such separatist course.
“We once again raise our voice on the unholy situation and unfortunate state of the federal roads in the region which have caused a trip from Enugu-Onitsha to take five hours contrary to the usual one hour it takes. The situation is completely unpalatable to connect any south-east state.
“We also urge the federal government to reconsider it proposed sale of national assets. We believe that these priceless assets already acquired, stands at the centre of the economy of this country, and if managed well, will give growth and hope to our posterity”.