Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Traditional rulers in South East, Tuesday, converged in Umuahia, the Abia State capital to discuss ways to restore peace to the region.
The monarchs before going into a closed door session, called for immediate release of the detained Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
They argued that Kanu’s release, would fast-track the restoration of peace to the South East.
The monarchs expressed deep worry over the precarious security situation in the zone, and called for urgent measures to curb the menace.
They said they were in Abia to seek ways for the return of peace in the South East, and to deliberate on other matters of regional interest.
Addressing newsmen before the beginning of the summit, the Chairman of Traditional Rulers Council, Abia State chapter, HRM Eze Linus Nto Mbah, pleaded with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to consider political solution to Kanu’s continued incarceration.
According to him, Kanu’s release will bring to an end the continued sit-at-home in the zone.
“We beg Mr President to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu for the return of peace to Igboland. If he is released, we will be able to track those cresting trouble in our land in the name of agitation for his release.
“We want to know those behind the insecurity in our land, and we won’t keep quiet until peace is restored in South East.”
The monarchs regretted that the political class in Igbo land does not show much regard for the traditional institution, hence Igbo traditional rulers are not treated with dignity by the Federal Government.
Eze Mbah urged South-East governors to give monarchs from the zone their due respect and recognition for others to honour them.
He said that a communique would be issued at the end of the one-day summit holding at the secretariat at Abia Traditional Rulers Council inside the new JAAC building of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
Chairman, South East Traditional Rulers Council, who also doubles as the Chairman, Imo State Council of Ndieze, HRM Eze Eze EC Okeke; the Obi of Onitsha, HRM Igwe Alfred Achebe; Chairman Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRH Igwe Samuel Asadu; his Ebonyi State counterpart, HRM Igwe Charles Nguma, among others were among the delegates at the summit.
