By Brenda Chidinma Imo-Eze
Stakeholders in the Southeast have called for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from the Nigerian Correctional Center, emphasizing that his continued detention is worsening insecurity in the region.
The call was made on Thursday, February 27, 2025, during a Peace and Stability Summit organized by the Orlu Progressive Initiative (OPI) in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital.
Speaking at the summit, the Executive Director of Orlu Progressive Initiative, Ikechukwu Nwabueze, described the situation as long overdue for resolution. He warned that the continued violence, sit-at-home orders, and loss of lives are eroding the Southeast’s economic and social potential.
Nwabueze acknowledged the grievances fueling the agitation but insisted that no cause justifies the killing of innocent people. He urged those involved in violent activities to reconsider their actions and embrace peaceful means of advocacy.
He also called on Southeast governors to set aside political differences and work together for the development and stability of the region. Addressing the federal government, he appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene decisively, even if it requires consulting past leaders or the international community to find a lasting solution.
“I want to ask our governors not to play politics with these issues. The governors must unite regardless of political party affiliations because the development and peace of this region are key,” Nwabueze stated.
“You cannot develop this region without attracting investors. It is a timely call for all of us to unite. I also call on politicians not to neglect the Southeast. President Tinubu has shown some commitment by signing the South East Development Commission Bill into law, but those heading the commission must ensure they implement people-oriented programs. Infrastructure is important, but human capital development is equally critical,” he added.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Comr. Nasiru Ernest Nweze, stated that keeping Kanu in detention has not helped the security situation in the region. He emphasized that while many Southeast youths may not agree with Kanu’s methods, dialogue remains the best solution.
“The continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu is not helping Nigeria’s security, and it is certainly not helping the Southeast,” he stated.
In a lecture presented by Hon. Peter Ogadima Nwankwo, Special Assistant to the immediate past Chairman of the APC in Imo State, he highlighted agriculture as a vital tool for addressing insecurity in the Southeast. He argued that investing in mechanized farming would create employment opportunities for youths, reducing their vulnerability to crime and violence.
“If more leaders promote agriculture, young people will have productive engagement, reducing their reliance on crime. Economic empowerment is crucial to restoring peace in our region,” Nwankwo stated.
Douglas Ochisi, Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), stressed the role of youth in peacebuilding, stating that without peace, there can be no meaningful development. He urged young people to embrace positive change and contribute to stabilizing the Southeast.
Other stakeholders, including former IPAC Chairman Dr. Jennifer Adibe and the Special Assistant on Media to the Deputy Chief Whip, Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, Valentine Chukwubuzor, also spoke at the summit, adding their voices to the call for urgent intervention.
Many participants agreed that while releasing Nnamdi Kanu may not completely solve the insecurity problem in the Southeast, it would significantly reduce tensions and remove the excuse used by some groups to engage in violence.