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President Bola Tinubu is once more under pressure to apply a diplomatic approach to address the security challenges in the southeastern part of the nation, advocating for actions that could pave the way for the freedom of Nnamdi Kanu, the head of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Olisa Metuh, the ex-national spokesperson of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), conveyed this message in a statement released in Abuja on Tuesday, March 26. He also lauded President Tinubu for his constructive stance and dedication to fostering peace, progress, and harmony in the southeastern region.
The former spokesperson for the opposition, who declared his withdrawal from active political engagement two years ago, has remained a prominent advocate for the liberation of Nnamdi Kanu. He has tirelessly presented his case to the former President, Muhammadu Buhari, on numerous occasions.
Metuh lauded President Tinubu as ‘a long-standing democrat and listening leader who deeply understands the sensibilities and nuances of all social segments of the country’ and urged him to utilize his nationwide expertise to effectively address and alleviate the unrest in the Southeast.
According to Metuh, ‘It is against this backdrop that I make this passionate plea to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to adopt a political solution that will lead to the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu as a major step to restoring lasting peace in the South East Region of the country.
‘President Tinubu has shown positive posture and commitment towards the peace, stability, and development of the South East. I humbly urge him to further deploy his Pan Nigeria skills to engage and end the restiveness in the South East through a political solution that involves dialogue, understanding, and the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Read also: For Peace Sake, Release Nnamdi Kanu, Nwosu Begs Tinubu
‘The continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, waiting for a legal solution, and use of military option or force as instituted by the last administration under President Buhari has not helped.
‘Rather such options are worsening the situation as it opens the space for vicious interests who have hijacked the genuine and peaceful aspiration of the people to unleash violence, killing and harassment of innocent citizens, wanton destruction of property, and dislocation of social and economic life in the region.
‘Given the strategic position of the South East to national economy the unabated situation in the region has continued to exert grave negative social and economic consequences on the entire nation. President Tinubu can redefine the situation by adopting a political solution in the release of Nnamdi Kanu’ the statement said.
Metuh restated that the ‘Igbos are peace-loving, law-abiding, entrepreneurial and hardworking people but whose belief in justice, equity and fairness is largely misunderstood’.
However, he called on the youth of the South East to reject all forms of destructive behaviors and actions that could hinder local businesses in the region and create opportunities for detrimental anti-people agendas to harm the community.
Metuh charged the people of the southeast to use Easter to pray for the release of ‘our brother and son, Nnamdi Kanu so that the region will experience a new beginning in the spirit of Easter.’
