By Uche Amunike
Nine Gubernatorial candidates of different political parties in the 2021 governorship election in Anambra state, have collectively called on President Muhammadu Buhari to effect detained leader of Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu’s release, with immediate effect.
Even though the governorship election in Anambra state will take place on November 6 2021 and political parties like the All Progressives Congress (APC), People’s Democratic Party (PDP), ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and others are ready for the contest, there is tension and security threats in the Eastern region as a result of the detention of the IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Well-meaning individuals and different groups have constantly called for Nnamdi Kanu’s release ever since he went into detention. Recall that the secessionist leader who reportedly jumped bail in 2017 at the beginning of his alleged trial for treason was arrested and brought back to the country from Kenya and have since then being held in detention by the Federal government of Nigeria.
IPOB has issued threats insisting that the incarceration of their leader would hamper the governorship election of Anambra state and have constantly demanded for Nnamdi Kalu’s release from detention by the Buhari-led government.
Also, in a statement signed by the candidates of APC, PDP, APGA, LP, AA, ADC, APM, SDP, YPP, ZLP and others, all they requested for was Nnamdi Kanu’s release. Their appeal stemmed from the serious concerns so far shown by the South East Council of Traditional Rulers and the representatives of Igbo Bishops and
Archbishops, concerning the issue of their leaders and the general fear and tension caused by the endless violence and deaths in the region.
They noted that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s release to the South East Council of Traditional Rulers and their Representatives of Igbo Archbishops and Bishops will stop all acts that may forestall the forthcoming election.
Part of the statement said: ‘We urge the Federal Government to take urgent steps to demilitarize the South East Zone and stem the heightened tension, skirmishes and endless bloodletting between the security agencies and our youths.’
They also called on the IPOB to desist from anything that would hinder the smooth running of the election and withdraw all scheduled sit-at-home orders.
Still on the November 6 Anambra state election, the Bishop of Sokoto Catholic Diocese, Bishop Matthew Kukah has appealed to Anambra state residents to find out and vote their preferred candidates during the Saturday’s governorship election.
He made the statement while addressing newsmen, after a meeting with stakeholders at the Women Development Centre in the Anambra state capital, Awka, insisting that there was no security threat to the election, judging from the security operatives and the Independent National Electoral Commission on ground.
He therefore called on everyone to come out and cast their votes, especially as the Inspector-General of Police already gave the assurance that they were prepared for the election.
He confirmed that they had all signed a peace Accord and that all candidates and political parties were going to be part of the peace process. He therefore encouraged electorates with their INEC voters card to feel free and come out and vote.
