President Bola Tinubu has been urged to free Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, from prison by the South East Youth Stakeholders Forum, a coalition of youth organisations from the region’s southeast geopolitical zone.
Following extensive talks on the current problems impacting the South East Region, the group called an emergency meeting on Saturday and requested presidential intervention with regard to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s protracted incarceration.
“We appeal to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the father of the Nation and a detribalised Nigerian to direct the Attorney General of the Federation to discontinue the prosecution of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, to pave way for his release from incarceration.
“This we believe is a critical step toward resolving the persistent security challenges in the South East. We believe that his release will end the insecurity that has bedeviled the South East region, foster genuine reconciliation and reduce tensions within the South East Region,” the group assured.
In a statement, representatives from the five south-eastern states, led by Mazi Ezenwa Onyirimba, the chairman for Enugu State, emphasized that Kanu’s release would foster a positive dialogue and interaction with some of the south-eastern youths who turned to violence against the state.
“It will also strengthen trust between the government and the people of the South East, paving the way for sustainable peace and security. The release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu would not only symbolize a commitment to unity but also act as a catalyst for the collective effort toward national harmony and stability,” the group added.
They also called for the creation of a South East Youth Stakeholders Dialogue, which will act as a forum to involve young leaders in tackling the socioeconomic and security issues facing the area, create workable plans for sustainable growth, and encourage cooperation and solidarity among diverse youth organizations, all of which will contribute to the region’s overall advancement.
However, President Tinubu’s creation of the South East Development Commission, or SEDC, was praised by the South East Youths.
They said, “We heartily commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his visionary leadership and commitment to the South East development and rehabilitation through the establishment of the South East Development Commission (SEDC).
“This initiative demonstrates a recognition of the unique challenges facing our region and provides a framework for addressing them through infrastructural development, economic empowerment, and social progress.”
The group renewed its commitment to promoting peace, harmony, and development in South Eastern Nigeria and the country as a whole.
“We further urge all stakeholders to embrace dialogue, collaboration, and forward-thinking initiatives as we collectively strive to build a prosperous and secure South East,” the group urged.