IPAC lampoons detention of Nnamdi Kanu, Fulani herdsmen menace

The South-East Caucus of Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has risen from their two-day retreat in Umuahia with a strong condemnation of the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu, frequent and indiscriminate shootings and killings of innocent IPOB/MASSOB members, while urging South-Easterners to participate in the forthcoming national census.

In a 10-point communiqué issued after the retreat and jointly signed by the chairman of the caucus and Abia state chairman of IPAC, Prince Emeka Okafor, and IPAC chairmen in Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo states, the umbrella body of all registered political parties in the country urged all eligible South-Easterners to come home and be counted during the census to ascertain and reflect the true population of the Ndigbo.

While also calling on the federal government to unconditionally release the detained leader of the Independent People of Biafra (IPOB), Mr. Nnamdi Kanu, in obedience to court order “to show a genuine demonstration of ‘change’ agenda of the Buhari administration,” the body also condemned “the frequent and indiscriminate shootings and killings of innocent IPOB/MASSOB and unarmed protesters by security agencies who maintain a lackadaisical indifference in handling the armed and murderous Fulani herdsmen.”

On the activities of the herdsmen, the federal government, according to them, should “demonstrate a sincere commitment to the eradication of this menace so as to erase the perception of bias and injustice.”

The communiqué further called for the practice of true federalism in Nigeria by amending the constitution to devolve more powers to the States and give them more control over natural and human resources located in there to make the states more viable and productive.

According to the communiqué, full participation of all eligible people from the South East in the coming census would truly ascertain the actual population and strength of Ndigbo who are scattered all over the country.

The communiqué also called on South East governments “to work urgently towards creating a conducive environment for living, industry, investment, tourism and trade, including the full establishment and functioning of the South-East Nigeria Economic Commission which will facilitate integration, harmonization and cohesiveness of infrastructure and economic development of the South-East Nigeria.”

While calling on all South Easterners in various parts of the world “to urgently invest their resources in the South East for the purpose of building a strong regional economy.”

“IPAC South East associates herself with the fight against corruption by the present administration and equally commended the release of funds for the purpose of payment of salaries and pensions”, the Caucus further said, stating their resolve to organize a submit for South East economic and political integration and development.

They used the opportunity to commend the state Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu over his effort to build quality local and regional infrastructure and his encouragement for regional and inter-party and governmental cooperation for South East development.