Enugu, Nigeria — Governors from the southeastern region of Nigeria have announced plans to meet with President Bola Tinubu to discuss the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The decision was revealed by Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, who also serves as the chairman of the Southeastern Governors Forum, following a meeting in Enugu on Tuesday.
The meeting was attended by notable governors from the region, including Hope Uzodinma (Imo), Alex Otti (Abia), Chukwuma Soludo (Anambra), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), and Peter Mbah (Enugu).
In a statement released after the meeting, Governor Uzodinma said, “The forum commiserated with the government and people of Abia state, Ebonyi state, Imo state, southeast Nigeria, and Chief Ogbonnaya Onu’s family on the demise of His Excellency, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu.”
The forum also received a delegation led by former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, along with Chief Emeka Anyaoku, GCON, and His Royal Majesty Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, CFR, Obi of Onitsha, who visited in solidarity.
The governors deliberated on the reviewed report of the South-East Security and Economic Summit held in Owerri on September 28, 2023. They agreed to implement parts of the report related to security and economic integration, affirming their commitment to actionable plans on these key issues.
“The forum resolved to visit Mr. President to discuss pressing issues concerning the southeast region,” Governor Uzodinma added. “The forum also resolved to interface with the federal government to secure the release of Mr. Nnamdi Kanu.”
The proposed visit to President Tinubu underscores the governors’ unified stance on addressing critical regional concerns, particularly the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu, which has been a point of contention and unrest within the southeast. The outcome of this high-level meeting is anticipated to have significant implications for the political and social landscape of the region.
