Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has called on the Federal Government to release the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu as part of the peace building effort in the country.

The Governor noted that Kanu’s issue was a socio-political challenge that should be dealt with politically.

According to a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Diaspora Affairs, Peter Ichull, the Governor made the call yesterday when a group under the aegis of American Veterans of Igbo origin paid him a courtesy visit in Washington DC, USA.

The Governor argued that the IPOB leader ought to be released pointing out that even members of Boko Haram who posed greater threat to the country’s unity had often been freed, resettled and some integrated into the armed forces.

Governor Ortom was quoted as saying that “for the country to be truly united the South East of Nigeria should be given a sense of belonging to erase the impression of persecution of a section of the country.”

He tasked the Igbo veterans to believe in one Nigeria, stressing that “no country on earth is without its challenges.

“Governor Ortom also told the group that power shift to the South East is possible, if the people of the region put their differences aside to pursue the objective in unity.”

He explained that his earlier call for freedom of worship was not only to protect the rights of Christians, but so that all Nigerians would be free to practice their faith without intimidation or molestation in any part of the country.

He thanked the group for appreciating his modest contributions to national discourses and reminded South-Eastern Nigerians living abroad that charity begins at home, saying “there is nowhere better than home but only peace and security can guarantee the success of your investments back home”.

The governor then called on the veterans to support the peace efforts in the Sout East region so that both their communities and investments would experience sustainable growth and prosperity.

Earlier, the President of the group, Dr. Sylvester Onyia who praised Governor Ortom for his fearless position on Nigeria’s ills, insisting that only such a stand from leaders could build bridges of understanding and give hope to despairing Nigerians living abroad that one Nigeria was possible.

The group however expressed fears for the upcoming general elections owing to the spate of insecurity in the country and called on Governor Ortom not to relent on pursuing the best security options.

The group assured the Governor of its support in amplifying his voice in peace-building to their representatives in the American Congress saying, “you are not alone; we are with you. Continue speaking the truth; truth is the manifestation of God.”

On the delegation according to the statement were the Vice President of the group, Dr. Prince Nduka, Nigeria’s former Ambassador to South Africa, Dr. Ajulu and Dr. Ofo, the group’s PRO.

Daddyyin:
Ortom should go and release him nah. Imagine ipob that used to refer all ss/se as Biafrans are now releasing statements denying Peter Obi as one of them. We understand their tactics; thinking that Obi will grants their wish. Obi will never be Nigeria president. In 2023 they can continue their “biafra or death” mantra.

Dubaku543:
Why are you scared of Nigeria breaking? Are you aware that Nigeria has backslided from developing country back to underdeveloped country? What good is of the country?

Daddyyin:


Scared? Are you the one that will break it? The reason you guys are believing your obi will turn Nigeria to Dubai within 1 month

helinues:
Which one is call there .

He should go and release him

Dubaku543:
Obi is a fundamentalist. He will set the right foundation to wealth creation for the progress of the country. Obi has various infrastructure he wants to develop in the North because of massive land mass!!

Daddyyin:



Like he did in Anambra? Na Obi tell you that? Just be expecting miracles from liars.

gidgiddy:
Unfortunately, Buhari is a man who knows nothing about how to get peace.

Nnamdi Kanu has no business being in detention. Ask anyone what Nnamdi Kanu did and all you will hear is, 'Nnamdi Kanu said this', or 'Nnamdi Kanu said that'

So he is in detention for talking?

Buhari is just a clueless man

Dubaku543:
.. If you don't know. Anambra is an industrial area with numerous factories!! Na because say they are into local production. Obi did lots of ground breaking ceremonies for industries including the popular Innoson motors. They only thing is they don't run subsidiaries with known multinational companies

Daddyyin:


Everybody will know if your Anambra is on par with Dubai. If that’s your definition of development, it’s not what we need in Nigeria. We deserve better.

Dubaku543:
. Oga Anambra is among the least States receiving allocation in Nigeria. Anambra is among the eastern States your Nigeria destroyed years back so as they were building from the scratch, you don't expect them be like Lagos that was initially developed by the White!!

aribisala0:
Another Ignorant remark
How was Lagos State developed by the white?
Lagos State was created in 1967.
Many of you ignorantly believe Lagos State was the Capital of Nigeria. IT WAS NOT

Lagos City was the capital of Nigeria NOT the whole state just like you have Enugu town,Ondo,Kano , Bauchi, Kaduna towns named after the state So also you have Lagos City and Lagos State.
Lagos State has 5 Divisions

Lagos
Epe
Ikorodu
Ikeja
Badagry

4 of those 5 divisions were in the Western Region before Lagos State was developed and those 4 were developed into what is now the leading manufacturing hub under the leadership of Awolowo