The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide has commended the South-East caucus of the National Assembly for its move to secure Nnamdi Kanu’s freedom.
The group said in a statement by its President-General, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, that the move was capable of reducing tension in the region.
He said the leader of the caucus, Senator Ike Ekweremadu had shown a large heart by taking up such a role despite what members of the Biafra-agitation group did to him way back in Germany.
“We want to commend in a very special way the former Deputy Senate President, Chief Prof. Ike Ekweremadu for rallying his colleagues towards securing the freedom of the IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
“It is a demonstration of a large heart, tolerance and forgiveness. We all remember what happened to the Senator, how he was given unfair treatment in Germany, but not minding that previous experience, he is again providing a leading role to see that Nnamdi Kanu is released.
“He is a true father and we commend him in a very special way, together with his colleagues in the National Assembly.
“We have always said that only a political solution can free Nnamdi Kanu. The OYC is happy that the National Assembly caucus has taken up that challenge.
“We appeal to the South East governors, religious and traditional leaders, to put heads together and secure Kanu’s freedom as quickly as possible. He should not be abandoned to his fate, no matter what; he is our own,” he added.
Okwu, however, appealed to the IPOB leadership not to escalate further tension in the region, stressing that “no amount of sit-at-home can bring Kanu out, only political solution. We are merely punishing ourselves with the sit-at-home.
“At the moment, our economy, our education, our security are all in jeopardy. We fought war for three years, used violence but it didn’t work, I don’t think violence will work this time.
“Now is the time for consultation, negotiation and dialogue. You can’t be killing the same people you are fighting for. To this end, we urge IPOB to stop whatever violence in Anambra State, since they have said they are not involved, they should fish out those smearing their name.”
He condoled with the families of the victims of the recent killings in Anambra and Imo states, including the Akunyili family, and urged those involved to end such carnage. ##
