The United Igbo Elders Council (UNIEC) has called on the Federal Government to release Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), and all political prisoners without conditions. The group also demanded an end to unlawful arrests, detentions, and extrajudicial killings, as well as a lift on economic and port blockades affecting Eastern Nigeria.
In a statement released on Saturday, the UNIEC, represented by Prof. Obasi Igwe, Director of Media and Publicity, and Alpha Justice, Coordinator-General, outlined a five-point agenda aimed at fostering peace and development in Nigeria. The call for action followed extensive consultations and analysis of Nigeria’s current situation.
The statement criticized the government's handling of security issues and the ongoing conflict in Eastern Nigeria, asserting that the unrest has been exacerbated by punitive measures against the Igbo community. The UNIEC condemned what it described as "unlawful, hooded, night and secret arrests," and urged for the immediate release of political prisoners, including Kanu, who has been detained under conditions they deem unjust.
“Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has been subjected to severe mistreatment and dehumanization,” the statement said. “It is unjust for the nation to continue holding an innocent person in prison.”
The council also highlighted the negative economic impact of the blockade on Igbo/Eastern ports, which they argue affects not just the Eastern region but extends down to Maiduguri. They called for the reopening of these ports as a catalyst for broader economic development.
Additionally, the UNIEC advocated for structural reforms in Nigeria, emphasizing the need for a governance model that supports regional autonomy and addresses the nation’s political and economic challenges. They proposed a restructuring based on a mix of single nationality and multi-ethnic regions, with a focus on creating a fair and effective political economy.
“No economic policy can succeed without a solid political foundation,” the statement concluded, calling for a transformative approach to governance to ensure lasting stability and growth.
No comments:
Post a Comment