In a statement by the council signed by Obi Nnaemeka Achebe, Eze Joseph Nwabeke, Eze E.C Okeke and Igwe L.O.C. Agubuzo; chairmen of Anambra, Abia , Imo and Enugu States council of traditional rulers, respectively, the monarchs urged Buhari to show sagacity, pragmatism , statesmanship and fatherliness by de-proscribing IPOB as a terrorist organization and releasing Kanu to Igbo leaders and de-escalate military presence in the South East zone as normalcy return.
It tasked all stakeholders in Igbo land to sheathe their sword and rally to engage other sections of the country, stressing that it is senseless to destroy one’s homeland in order to prove marginalization.
‘”President Muhammadu Buhari should show sagacity, pragmatism , statesmanship and fatherliness by causing IPOB to be de-proscribed as a terrorist organization and Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to be released from detention into the hands of Igbo traditional and religious leaders. The President should also de-escalate the military presence in the Spouth East as normalcy returns.
“The President, federal and state government should demonstrate faith in the nation’s healing by listening more to the yearnings of youths around the country. The obvious feelings of progressive denials of basic human rights among Igbo youths as well as other youths of the country should be given urgent attention.
“We make these statements with every sense of responsibility and belief that our present challenges in AlaIgbo are not insurmountable if genuinely addressed with honesty, mutual respect, and full recognition that lasting peace, progress and development would only come from dialogue, not through armed conflict and a general atmosphere of fear and intimidation.”
The monarchs also called on IPOB, its affiliate organizations and other groups to stop provocative actions that tend to promote violence and fear, adding that the sit at home should be stopped to enable normal economic activities resume without molestation.
On the Anambra state governorship poll, the monarchs tasked Buhari, INEC and security agents to ensure free, fair and credible election, while political parties, their candidates and the electorate must shun violence and electoral malpractice as well as other acts that could truncate the poll.