The Igbo General Assembly (IGA) in Spain, representing independent Igbo associations in that country, has issued a strong appeal to President Bola Tinubu.
In a press release following their meeting in Malaga, they called for urgent action to address two critical issues: the growing insecurity in southeastern Nigeria and the ongoing detention of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
In the release signed by Ozo Kingsley Ndibe, IGA president general and E.C. Onugha, its secretary, the assembly lamented the economic hindrances the insecurity in Anambra, Imo, Enugu, Ebonyi and Abia Stated, has brought upon the people, urging the President to intervene and save the region from complete economic collapse.
Facts show that since the security situation of South Eastern Nigeria deteriorated, diaspora investment, which was one of the bedrock of the region’s economy, has drastically reduced, as people hardly come home to invest and create jobs for unemployed youths.
IGA said that the insecurity in the South East has been an issue of great concern to all Igbos both at home and abroad and regretted that the previous administration could not solve the problem, as expected, adding that the release of Kanu will help to end the economic strangulation of the South-East.
The assembly further said that it has full confidence and trust that President Tinubu will bring a lasting solution to the insecurity in the region and urged him to use his good offices, as the father of the country to salvage the situation and let South-East contribute more to the development of the country.
“There have been incessant cases of kidnappings, killings, and regular bloodlettings in the South-East, where our mothers can no longer go to the farm and our fathers cannot go out to do their businesses.
“Movement has been restricted in this region every other Monday, adversely affecting economic activities in this region.
“As stakeholders in the Igbo General Assembly, we are requesting the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu.
“It is a denial of justice not to stretch out a helping hand to Nnamdi Kanu at this time, because he has been detained for long, after being granted bail, by a reputable court of law in Nigeria.
“We have faith in your administration, as one that will build on equal rights, justice, and fairness for all, irrespective of tribe, political affiliation, or religious belief. Just like all Nigerians, Nnamdi Kanu deserves justice,” the stated.
