In a bid to foster peace and stability in the Southeast region, Abia Assembly Chief Whip and Umuahia South Representative, Hon. Emeka Obioma, has voiced his support for the recent appeal made by 50 federal lawmakers to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The lawmakers' letter, dated June 19, 2024, sought the President's invocation of Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution and Section 107(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, to facilitate Kanu's release from detention.
Hon. Obioma joins the lawmakers, led by Hon. Obi Aguocha, Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere and Hon. Zakari Nyampa, in their call for Kanu's freedom, emphasizing its potential to significantly contribute to restoring peace in Southeast Nigeria.
The lawmakers' appeal also includes a request for the President to initiate a presidential peace initiative to address the various challenges and issues affecting the region.
According to Hon. Obioma, the release of Nnamdi Kanu would serve as a pivotal gesture towards national unity, addressing political, security, and economic concerns in the region. He believes it would encourage stakeholders from the Southeast to engage more actively in national discussions, promote inclusivity, and address long-standing grievances.
The Abia Assembly Chief Whip also emphasized that Kanu's freedom is crucial for the reconciliation process and for addressing the underlying issues causing unrest in the region.
"The Southeast has faced significant challenges and tensions in recent years," Hon. Obioma stated.
"The release of Nnamdi Kanu would be a significant step towards healing and fostering a more inclusive dialogue among all stakeholders."
Hon. Obioma's support for the lawmakers' move aligns with his recent address emphasizing the importance of political parties serving as platforms for democratic expression rather than instruments of conflict.
The lawmakers' appeal and Hon. Obioma's support come at a time when the Southeast region faces significant challenges, including security breakdown, economic downturn, displacement of families, and business closures.
The move is seen as a step towards promoting peace initiatives, economic revitalization, and a renewed sense of belonging among citizens in the Southeast.
Hon. Obioma's support of this initiative highlights the growing consensus among political leaders that a different approach is needed to address the grievances of the Southeast.
"It's not just about releasing an individual; it's about addressing the broader issues of marginalization and ensuring that all Nigerians feel represented and heard," Obioma added.
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