Church leaders in Imo State under the aegis of the Concerned Church Leaders Forum have called for the immediate release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Church leaders said the request was a necessary measure to restore stability and a resurgent economy in the southeast and ensure adequate security.
Representing the group at a press conference held in Owerri on Tuesday, the General Overseer of the Charismatic Renewal Movement, Pastor Cosmos Irechukwu, appealed to the Federal Government led by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to make their call for the collective good of the people. advised to listen to. Especially Southerners.
He said: “As part of strategic measures to ensure adequate security in the South-East, the Federal Government, in accordance with previous orders by the Federal Government, will immediately remove Mazi Nnamdi Kanu by the November 11 election date. It is recommended that they recognize the need for their release.” Court of Appeals.
“Our reason for making this clarion call is purely based on the rule of law. The further detention of Nnamdi Kanu is seen as punitive by his supporters, as the Court of Appeal judgment ordered his release. will be considered a thing.
“His release, therefore, will definitely defuse tensions. In doing so, security agencies will be in a better position to identify the hidden South-East criminal elements of the Biafra agitators.
Regarding the upcoming gubernatorial election, the group also expressed concern over the persistent security situation in the state, stressing that it would affect the participation of residents in the exercise.
Mr. Ilechukwu further stated, “Regarding the Io State gubernatorial election on November 11, 2023, Imo people are expected to go to the polling stations to elect their governor.” The feeling we’re getting from the leadership team is that voter apathy is likely to kill the movement. Apati’s reasons are not far-fetched.
“Firstly, due to the deep insecurity and sustained bloodshed in the state, voters will shut themselves into their shells to protect their lives.Secondly, the elections earlier this year glorified in various ways Violence and widespread electoral fraud have led the public to believe that their voles do not count.
“We are concerned about these deeply disappointing and backward narratives and are determined to work with all stakeholders to change the narrative.”
“We will mobilize our voters, who are primarily members of their respective denominations, to exercise their civic responsibilities on the day and to avoid any acts that may violate the peace.
“However, mobilizing members to vote only to be subjected to violence is counterproductive.
“To this end, security agencies are mandated to put in place first-rate security measures to ensure an unhindered exercise, especially in flashpoint areas like Orlu and Okigwe,” he added. did.
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