The Igbo traditional rulers from the South East Region of Nigeria have called for a de-escalation of conflict in the South-East between federal government forces and members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), proposing terms of settlement for both sides for peace to reign.
Denouncing the incessant gruesome killings and destruction of
property in the zone, the South-East Council of Traditional Rulers have asked
President Buhari to de-proscribe IPOB and release the group’s leader Nnamdi
Kanu from detention.
The proposition is contained in a statement co-signed by Eze
Joseph Nwabeke, (Abia); Obi Nnaemeka Achebe, (Anambra); Igwe L.O. Agubuzu,
(Enugu) and Eze E.C. Okeke (Imo), and made available to journalists on Tuesday
in Owerri, Imo state.
“We believe that the dire situation in the country today
calls for statesmanship, open and sincere dialogue in the search for
compromises, not growing militarisation which may ultimately threaten the very
existence of the country,” the statement reads.
The council called on all disaffected individuals and groups
in the zone to sheath their swords and rally for mutual forgiveness and healing
to end the internal strife.
“Cutting our nose to spite our face does not help our present
situation; it is senseless to destroy our homeland, or be an accessory to its
destruction, in order to prove our marginalisation,” the traditional rulers
said.
They said the appeal became necessary to restore peace and
normalcy, and end the “general atmosphere of fear and progressive
militarisation in the geo-political zone.”
They urged IPOB and its affiliate units to immediately stop
all provocative rhetoric and actions that promote violence, fear and
lawlessness.
“As part of creating the enabling environment for
reconciliation and peace building, the ongoing sit-at-home on Mondays or any
other day in the South-East should end forthwith,” the council pleaded.
(NAN)
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