The National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa, on Tuesday, reiterated his earlier call on the Federal Government to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), as a step toward restoring lasting peace in the Southeast region.
Barr. Ezeokenwa’s renewed appeal came in Abuja amidst mounting security challenges in the Southeast, exacerbated by the ongoing sit-at-home orders initiated by non-state actors to demand Kanu’s release, despite Kanu’s public condemnation of such actions.
Although a faction of the IPOB led by Emma Powerful has clarified that the group never authorized any sit-at-home order, Monday and Tuesday were total shutdowns in all parts of the Southeast following an order issued via voice note circulated on social media.
Speaking on the issue, Ezeokenwa noted that Kanu’s continued detention has fueled the rise of armed groups and criminal gangs operating under the guise of fighting for his freedom.
These activities, he noted, have spread fear and hardship among residents while crippling the region’s economy.
Barr. Ezeokenwa lamented the severe economic toll caused by the sit-at-home orders, which halt business activities every Monday. Small and micro enterprises, comprising 99.8% of Nigeria’s business landscape, have been particularly hard hit.
“Micro and nano businesses, such as petty traders and small retailers who depend on their daily earnings, find it difficult to feed themselves,” he said, noting that the disruptions extend beyond financial losses to the education sector and essential public services, with students missing exams and businesses facing threats for operating during the sit-at-home orders.
The APGA Chairman further described the insecurity in the Southeast as alarming, citing the rise in violent crimes, including kidnapping, killings, arson, and the destruction of police stations and government buildings. He appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider a political solution to the crisis, urging the president to publicly outline any conditions for Kanu’s release.
Ezeokenwa also highlighted the offer made by Anambra State Governor Prof. Charles Soludo to act as a guarantor for Kanu should the Federal Government release him.
“Political leaders in the Southeast must unite and prevail on President Tinubu to either release Nnamdi Kanu unconditionally or state the conditions for his release,” he said, calling on governors, lawmakers, and ministers from the region to intensify their efforts toward resolving the crisis.
