The Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, has clarified that Governor Chukwuma Soludo is not opposed to the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Mefor described the narrative that Soludo is against Kanu’s release as “misinformation” being propagated by opposition politicians who feel threatened by the governor’s impressive achievements.
IPOB had recently tackled Soludo over his assertion that the release of Kanu, who has been in detention since 2021, may not likely bring an end to the insecurity ravaging the Southeast.
Soludo argued that criminals had hijacked Kanu’s Biafran agitation and were exploiting it to commit crimes for personal gains.
“Kanu and IPOB have repeatedly dissociated themselves from these criminals,” Soludo explained. “Even if Nnamdi Kanu is released today, I’m not sure they would listen to him because what they now pursue is wealth, not liberation.
They have become enemies of the people they claim to protect. Who are they fighting for when they kidnap and kill their people?”
But IPOB took exception to Soludo’s assertion, saying he appeared to have teamed up with politicians who want Kanu in perpetual detention.
In a statement on Tuesday, however, the Anambra State Government insisted that Soludo was not against Kanu’s release.
Mefor explained that Soludo had been actively advocating for Kanu’s release, believing that it could help restore peace and stability in the South-East.
According to Mefor, Soludo’s commitment to Kanu’s release is evident in his actions and public statements.
He cited Soludo’s visit to Kanu at the Department of State Services facility, offering to take him on administrative bail and pledging to ensure Kanu’s availability whenever required.
Mefor stated: “As we welcome the new year, it is imperative to address the misinformation circulating in the media regarding Governor Soludo’s alleged reluctance to support Nnamdi Kanu’s release.
“This misinformation has been peddled by desperate opposition politicians intimidated by Soludo’s remarkable achievements in office. In less than three years, he has surpassed his campaign promises, leaving critics scrambling to discredit him.
“Contrary to these false claims, Governor Soludo has been actively working towards Kanu’s release, hoping it will restore peace and stability in the South-East. His commitment to this cause has been demonstrated through his actions and public pronouncements.
“Notably, Soludo visited Kanu at the DSS facility, where he offered to take him on administrative bail and assured authorities of his availability when needed. This gesture underscores the governor’s willingness to facilitate Kanu’s release and his dedication to finding a peaceful resolution to the issues surrounding Kanu’s detention.
“However, Soludo is also deeply concerned about the hijacking of the Biafra agitation by criminals. These elements have turned the agitation into a lucrative enterprise, engaging in kidnapping, robbery, ritual killings, and other heinous crimes.”
The commissioner lamented that the criminalisation of the Biafra agitation has not only undermined its legitimacy but also posed significant threats to the security and stability of the South-East region.
He noted that the hijacking of the Biafra agitation by criminals had led to a surge in violent crimes, including kidnapping, robbery, and ritual killings.
“These acts have claimed lives, instilled fear, and caused widespread insecurity. Additionally, this criminalisation has hindered the region’s economic development, as investors are hesitant to invest in an environment plagued by violence and insecurity,” he said.
To address these security challenges, the commissioner disclosed that the Soludo administration was set to launch Operation Udo Ga-Achi (Operation Peace Shall Reign) this January.
“The initiative will integrate advanced surveillance technology, branded vehicles for stop-and-search operations, and trained forest guards working alongside vigilantes and local authorities,” Mefor said.
By Ikenna Obianeri @ThePUNCH
