S’East traditional rulers reiterate call for Kanu’s release, regional peace

South East Traditional Rulers’Council has reiterated the call for peace in the region and the release of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

Speaking during their meeting in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, the monarchs said releasing Kanu from detention by the Federal Government would help to drastically reduce insecurity and usher in peace in the region.

Speaking on the sidelines of the meeting, the Chairman of Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, HRM, Igwe Samuel Ikechukwu Asadu who led other monarchs from the state, including HRH Igwe Dr. Herbert Nwanosike Ukuta, JP, the AGBALAKATA III of  Igga Ancient Kingdom to the meeting, said peace was very important to every community and as such, they have been doing all they could to ensure peace reigns supreme in their domains.

“We the traditional rulers are advocating for peace in the South East, peace is the bedrock for development and we can’t make progress without peace.

“We deal with security issues in our areas through our neighborhood watches; we encourage our youths to obey the laws of the and by so doing, we maintain peace amongst our people.”

Igwe Asadu, the traditional ruler of Edem-Ani Ogwugwu in Nsukka LGA, Enugu State, the immediate past Chairman, South East Traditional Rulers Council and the BoT member, Council of traditional rulers in Africa, Nigeria chapter,  said they would work closely with the state Governors to checkmate insecurity and bring everlasting peace to the region.

“Traditional rulers are deeply concerned about the insecurity of the Eastern States. We are united in our resolve to work alongside our governors to ensure our region is secured.”

Igwe Asadu commended Governor Otti for what he has been doing in Abia since  he became Governor, describing him as a revolutionary.

Also, the Chairman, Abia State Council of traditional rulers, HRH, Eze Linus Nto Mbah on his own, renewed his appeal to President Bola Tinubu for the unconditional release of Kanu.

The monarch said Kanu’s release has become imperative as it will help to restore peace in the South East region and beyond.

Governor Otti had in his address at the event, expressed joy over the vital role traditional rulers play as custodians of culture and emphasized the importance of preserving the values that bind the people together.

The Governor while lamenting the destructive infighting and materialist tendencies that often overshadow the selection of traditional rulers, urged Communities to prioritize competence and tradition over financial influence or political support.

Otti cited the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe as an example of the rightful emergence of leadership which came through the integrity of leadership selection in the traditional institution.

He commended the South East traditional rulers for choosing Abia for the meeting and assured them of their security while in the state.