- The groups which include Ohanaeze, Afenifere and Pan-Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, appealed to President Bola Tinubu to release the embattled separatist.
Prominent socio-political groups from the South and Middle Belt have demanded the release of Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
The groups , which include Ohanaeze, Afenifere and Pan-Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, appealed to President Bola Tinubu to release the embattled separatist.
In a communique issued after their meeting in Abuja on Monday, they asserted that the release of Nnamdi Kanu is in the best interest of Nigeria.
They express expressed concern over the potential repercussions of Kanu’s continued incarceration on peace and security in the South-East region.
Part of the communique released under the aegis of Southern, Middle-Belt Forum Leaders read: “The SMBF condemns the continued incarceration of Nnamdi Kanu and its implication on peace and security in the South-East.
“The SMBF, therefore, calls on President Tinubu to ensure that the rule of law is allowed to prevail on this matter and all court rulings on this matter are obeyed.
“The release of Nnamdi Kanu is in the interest of the entire country as the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo has promised that they will work with him to restore peace in the region.”
The leaders, led by Edwin Clark, condemned the establishment of an ethnic militia by Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore in Nasarawa State, warning against condoning such actions and emphasizing the need for maintaining the rule of law.
In addition to the call for Kanu’s release, the leaders expressed deep concern about the deepening and prevalent security crisis across the country.
They highlighted dangerous conditions in Plateau, Ekiti, Kwara, Kogi, Benue states, and the Federal Capital Territory.
The leaders called for a comprehensive review of the national security architecture and urged increased federal government support for state and community policing efforts.
Prominent leaders in attendance at the meeting included the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu; Ayo Adebanjo of Afenifere; National President of Middle Belt Forum (MBF), Dr Pogu Bitrus, and National Chairman of Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien.
The communique noted the presence of several elder statesmen, former governors, former members of the National Assembly, former ministers, and other leaders from the respective regions
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