South-East, South-South groups meet, demand release of Nnamdi Kanu

About 52 groups from South-East and South-South geo-political zones met in Enugu at the weekend with a resolution that the Federal Government was making it difficult for the country to remain as one with its actions.

They also threatened to join forces with the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to persuade the government to release unconditionally Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from detention.

In a two-point communiqué reached at the meeting, the groups declared that six regional structure remained the only formula to salvage and rebuild Nigeria, noting that those opposed to six regional structure were only working towards the eventual disintegration of the country.

The groups, which also condemned the continued detention of Kanu after two courts granted him unconditional release, expressed their willingness to merge with IPOB in the quest to ensure the unconditional release of Kanu.

They said: “We are giving notice to the world that if the unjust, provocative and very divisive detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is not specially looked into for the sake of peace, equity and justice, we may no longer restrain our members, affiliates, friends and sister-groups who have indicated their resolve to join and merge with the IPOB in solidarity with their persecution and unjust detention of their leader. Pursuit of self-determination is the inalienable right of all oppressed people the world over as endorsed by the United Nations (UN) Charter on Freedom.”

Speaking with reporters after the meeting, Chimezie Ubani, President of Igbo Students Union, said: “We pleaded for restructuring, they refused. We pleaded for a referendum, they said no; they treat us like slaves. Fulani herdsmen were raping our women, killing our farmers and abducting our priests. All the 54 tertiary institutions in the East have resolved to join the IPOB to turn it to the largest mass movement in the world.”

Some groups which attended the meeting included Igbo Women Assembly, Igbo Youth Movement, South-East Christian Network, Igbo Traders Association, Igbo Students Union, CAN, PFN, Umuada Alaigbo, World Igbo Congress, Niger Delta Youth Forum, South-East Professionals, Igbo in Academia, Eastern Nigerian Congress, South-South Youth Congress and Igbo Diaspora Organisation.

Others were Umuigbo United Front, South-South/South-East Coalition, Traditional Healers Union, United Road Workers Union and Foodstuff Dealers Association, among others.