Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has called for the immediate release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, for the peace process in the country to be taken seriously.
Governor Ortom made the call when a group named American Veterans of Igbo origin paid him a courtesy visit in Washington DC, USA.
He stated that Nnamdi Kanu’s issue is a socio-political challenge that must be dealt with politically.
In a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Diaspora Affairs, Rev. Peter Ichull, Ortom said even members of Boko Haram who pose a greater threat to the country’s unity have often been freed, resettled and some integrated into the armed forces.
He maintained that the South East of Nigeria must be given a sense of belonging to erase the impression of persecution of a section of the country.
He tasked Igbo veterans in the United States of America to believe in one Nigeria pointing out that no country on earth is without its challenges.
The governor then called on the veterans to support the peace efforts in the South East region so that both their communities and investments will experience sustainable growth and prosperity.
President of the Group, Mr Sylvester Onyia, who led the delegation commended 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 abroad that one Nigeria is possible.
The group however expressed fears for the upcoming general election owing to the spate of insecurity in the country and called on Governor Ortom not to relent on pursuing the best security options.
Onyia who was flanked by his vice, Joe Nduka and other executive members of the group, pledged to add their voice to his calls for peace-building in Nigeria saying, “You are not alone, we are with you. Continue speaking the truth, truth is the manifestation of God.”