Victor EzejaAnambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has restated his commitment towards securing the release of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Mazi Mm Kanu.
Soludo stated this while reacting to some reports which alleged that the governor has been reluctant in supporting efforts to secure the release of Kanu.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelIn a statement released on Monday, the state Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, described such reports circulating on social media as “misinformation peddled by desperate opposition politicians who are intimidated by Soludo’s impressive achievements in office.”
“Contrary to the false claims, Governor Soludo has been actively working towards Nnamdi Kanu’s release, as he hopes that Nnamdi Kanu’s release will help restore peace and stability in the South East.”
Mefor said the governor has demonstrated his commitment to the struggle for the release of Kanu through his actions and public statements. He recalled that Governor Soludo visited Nnamdi Kanu at the Department of State Services (DSS) facility and offered to take Nnamdi Kanu on administrative bail, assuring his availability whenever needed.
According to him, “this gesture underscores Soludo’s willingness to facilitate Kanu’s release and his commitment to finding a peaceful resolution to the issues surrounding Kanu’s detention.”
He also pointed out that Soludo’s concern for Kanu’s release did not start with his present ordeal. According to him, Soludo was the first to lead some Igbo leaders to visit Nnamdi Kanu in Kuje prison in 2017.
READ ALSO: Soludo Welcomes Tinubu To South-easteThe commissioner said Soludo is concerned that criminal elements have hijacked the agitation by IPOB members, and turned it into a criminal enterprise as they engaged in kidnapping for ransom, armed robbery, ritual killings, and other heinous crimes.
He said this development has not only undermined the legitimacy of the Biafra agitation but also posed a significant threat to the security and stability of the South-east region.
“The hijack of the Biafra agitation by criminals has had severe consequences for the people of the South East. The region has witnessed a surge in violent crimes, including kidnapping, robbery, and ritual killings. These crimes have not only claimed lives but have also caused widespread fear and insecurity among the population.”
He further stated that the security crisis has disrupted economic activities in South-east, adding that it poses threat to investments in the region as investors are often discouraged to invest in an environment characterised by violence and insecurity.
He added that Soludo’s fear that the criminal elements who have turned Biafra agitation into a criminal enterprise may not listen to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is a legitimate concern that is shared by well-meaning people.
READ ALSO: Again, South-east Economy Grounded As IPOB Faction Imposes Sit-at-home
Mefor disclosed that to address the security challenge in South-east, and particularly Anambra, governor Soludo is set to launch a security initiative tagged “Operation Udo Ga-Achi” (Operation Peace Shall Reign) this January.
He explained that the security initiative will involve the use of advanced surveillance technology; deployment of branded vehicles for stop-and-search activities, and training of forest guards to work with vigilantes and local authorities. “Operation Udo Ga-Achi is designed to restore peace and stability in the Southeast, and Governor Soludo is committed to ensuring its success,” Mefor added.
He emphasised that other components of the Operation Udo Ga-Achi, include active engagement with members of communities across the state, and collaboration with security agencies.
He highlighted the need for cooperation with the government to tackle insecurity in the state. “By working together, we can overcome our region’s challenges and build a safer, more prosperous future for all.”
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
