Political Solution, Not Military Action Will Bring Lasting Peace To South-East Region, Traditional Rulers, Clerics Tell Buhari

The South-East Council of Traditional Rulers and the Representatives of Igbo Archbishops and Bishops have called on President Muhammadu Buhari to explore political solutions in ending the insecurity and socioeconomic challenges in the region.

They stated their position in a joint statement issued on Sunday and made available to THE WHISTLER.

The traditional rulers that signed the statement are His Majesty, Igwe Charles Mkpuma, Chairman, Ebonyi State Traditional Rulers Council and Chairman, South-East Council of Traditional Rulers; H.M. Obi Nnaemeka Achebe, Chairman, Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council; H.M. Igwe Amb L. O. C. Agubuzu, Chairman, Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council; and H.M. Eze Dr. E. C. Okeke, Chairman, Imo State Traditional Rulers Council.

For the clerics, those that endorsed that statement are Most Rev. Dr. Anthony J. V. Obinna, Catholic Archbishop of Owerri; Most Rev. Dr. Chibuzo R. Opoko, TFG, DOB, JP Methodist Archbishop of Umuahia; Most Rev. Dr. Valerian M. Okeke Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha; Most Rev. Dr Uma A. Onwunta Past Principal Clerk Presbyterian Church Nigeria; and Rev. Dr. Abraham Nwali Chairman, CAN, South East Zone.

The Council noted with deep concern the high level of insecurity and socio-economic disruption in the South -East Zone of Nigeria, adding that this has deepened the hardships being faced by the citizens and rendered prostrate
the socio-political and economic lives of the people.

Flowing from similar initiatives taken to bring peace to other troubled parts of the country, the Council
urged the Federal Government and other stakeholders to explore dialogue and negotiation in resolving
critical issues that threaten national unity, cohesion and development.

It urged the Federal Government to take urgent steps to de-militarize the South-East Zone, as it has become apparent that a continued military siege on the region can only lead to heightened tension, skirmishes and endless bloodletting between the security agencies and the youths.

Accordingly, the Council in the statement restated its earlier request for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to the South-East Council of Traditional Rulers and the Representatives of Igbo Archbishops and Bishops.

The statement said the call for the release of Kanu was based on the conviction that this act of courage and statesmanship by the President is not only imperative but will speedily de-escalate the heightened state of insecurity and dislocation in the South-East Zone.

The statement reads in part, “We also urge President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) and the Federal Government to take immediate steps to de-proscribe the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and release all IPOB members
being held in various detention facilities in Nigeria.

“We call on the Federal Government to take urgent steps to de-militarize the South East Zone, more so as it has become apparent that a continued military siege on the region can only lead to heightened tension, skirmishes and endless bloodletting between the security agencies and our youths.

“It has become urgent, imperative and compelling to de-emphasize the military option and move
towards finding a political solution that will lead to sustainable peace.

“We assert that heightened inequality and marginalization remain at the core of youth restiveness in our region.

“We urge our apex National Leadership to note that until it takes deliberate steps to run government on the basis of fairness, equity, justice and non-discrimination, this restiveness is likely to continue.”

The Council said it will respectfully seek audience with Buhari to discuss these issues in exploring political solution and the release of Kanu.

On its part, the Council in the statement assured the youths that it has heard their cries of marginalization, injustice and longsuffering, adding that as concerned parents, they feel the pain of the youths.

However, the statement urged the youths not to escalate the tension and remain law-abiding to enable the South-East Council of Traditional Rulers and the Representatives of Igbo Archbishops and Bishops to engage especially the Federal Government in finding a lasting solution to the crises.

The statement added, “We urge IPOB not to do anything that would hinder or be seen to be hindering the smooth running of the forthcoming Governorship Election in Anambra State and to cancel all scheduled sit-at-home orders, as these have already caused untold hardship for our people.

“Finally, we call on all the candidates in the forthcoming Anambra State Governorship Election to eschew violence and commit to free, fair and credible election.”