The Ndigbo Unity Forum, NUF, has called on President Bola Tinubu to release the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, to address unrest in the South-East region.
The group said Kanu’s detention has contributed to ongoing disruptions, including the Monday sit-at-home protests, which have adversely affected the region’s economy and education.
A statement by the group’s President, Augustine Chukwudum and Secretary-General Tony Igbokwe, highlighted the significant financial losses and academic setbacks caused by the protests.
It also criticized past administrations for ignoring appeals from prominent Igbo leaders for Kanu’s release, noting that the South-East, once peaceful, has faced escalating challenges since his arrest.
NUF proposed a delegation comprising South-East governors, lawmakers, traditional rulers, and influential Igbo women leaders to meet with President Tinubu to negotiate Kanu’s release.
The group also urged South-East governors to prioritize regional development, particularly in security, agriculture, and infrastructure, emphasizing the region’s potential to generate substantial revenue through agricultural initiatives.