Ohanaeze Elders Speak On Nnamdi Kanu’s Release, Holding Security Summit

The Elders’ Council of Ohanaeze Ndigbo has said it is working tirelessly to ensure the unconditional release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

Speaking with reporters on Saturday in Owerri, Imo’s capital, the Chairman of the council, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, said the Igbo elders will not rest until Kanu is released.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain also disclosed that there are plans to hold a security and peace summit in the South East to address the insecurity in the region.

Iwuanyanwu revealed that the summit would be held after the elections, adding that the summit will allow the youths to air their grievances.

He said: “In the past few months, I have watched with deep grief the amount of innocent blood being shed in the South East and other parts of Nigeria.

“Properties belonging to government and individuals have been destroyed. This situation has caused me considerable pain and concern. I decided to take the liberty of my position as the chairman, of the elders’ council of Ohanaeze Ndigbo to call an emergency meeting.

“At the meeting, the security situation of the South-east was critically examined. Elders expressed concern over the deteriorating security and social and economic conditions in the region. The elders resolved that the solution to this problem does not lie in bloodshed.

“For the first time in our history, we witnessed Igbos killing innocent Igbos for no just cause. When we recall that Igbos lost over two million people during the civil war, I see no reason why we should shed more blood in Igboland.

“I plead with our people to allow peace to reign by ensuring that the elections in the south-east are peaceful. The elders, therefore, unanimously resolved to hold a peace summit.

“The peace summit will allow the youths to air their grievances and I promise on behalf of the council of elders to resolve the problems to the best of our ability.

“As a father of the youths in Igboland, I humbly appeal to all concerned to sheath their sword and accept a cease-fire to allow elections to take place in the South East devoid of any bloodshed.”

Iwuanyanwu also stated that Kanu and some of his supporters including Simon Ekpa will be expected to attend the summit in person or send representatives.

He added: “At the peace summit, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and some of his supporters including Mazi Simon Ekpa will be expected to attend in person or send representatives.

“I, on behalf of the elders assure the youths that nobody will victimise them for participating in the peace summit. We need absolute peace in the South East which is what we are known for.”