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The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called for the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to begin the process of healing and for peace to reign in the Southeast.
The group believed the prolonged detention of Kanu, describing it as a violation of his fundamental human rights, was a major stumbling block to achieving peace in the South East.
The rights group also called for young men from the South-East in DSS detention to be freed to pave the way for peace and harmony in the zone.
A statement from the National Coordinator of the group, Emmanuel Onwubiko, on Monday, emphasised that the continued incarceration of Kanu and the mass arrests of IPOB members have exacerbated insecurity in the region, leading to avoidable deaths and suffering.
HURIWA urged President Tinubu to initiate a comprehensive and genuine dialogue with all aggrieved groups in the South East.
The group highlighted that a peaceful resolution is the only sustainable path to ending the mass killings of Igbo youths by state and non-state actors.
“The President must demonstrate genuine sincerity in addressing the unrest in the South East by engaging with all stakeholders, including IPOB, traditional rulers, clergy, and civic groups,” the statement said.
“This is the only way to restore stability to the region,” HURIWA stressed.
It pointed out that “the continued killings and arbitrary detentions cannot be ignored, nor should they be reduced to political considerations or ethnic biases.”
The rights organisation noted that the perception among the Igbo populace is that President Tinubu has abandoned the South East, prioritising political gains over the region’s security and well-being.
HURIWA expressed disappointment that decisive actions against mass killings and insecurity in the South East have been lacking, while similar issues in the South West are promptly addressed.
HURIWA alleged that the Federal Government’s actions suggest a targeted persecution of the South East.
It called for an end to the use of armed forces to suppress dissenting voices in the region, describing such measures as counterproductive and a gross violation of human rights.
“It is appalling that instead of tackling the root causes of the crisis, the government has resorted to deploying the military and other security operatives who indiscriminately kill and detain innocent Igbo youths.
“This approach has only deepened the mistrust and widened the gap between the government and the people of the South East,” the statement read.
HURIWA stressed the need for the Federal Government to address the root causes of insecurity in the South East, including widespread poverty, unemployment, and political marginalization.
The group argued that the region’s challenges cannot be solved through military might alone but require deliberate efforts to build trust and create opportunities for its people.
“The insecurity in the South East is a reflection of the years of neglect and marginalization the region has suffered.
“The government must prioritize development, provide opportunities for the youths, and create an environment where peace can thrive. Anything short of this is a mere band-aid solution,” HURIWA stated.
The group also called for urgent and decisive action against terrorists, kidnappers, and other criminal elements operating across Nigeria.
HURIWA pointed out that the focus on suppressing IPOB and other Southeast groups has distracted the government from effectively addressing the activities of well-known terrorist organizations and bandits in other parts of the country.
“It is baffling that while the government expends resources on silencing IPOB, terrorists and kidnappers continue to wreak havoc in other regions with little or no resistance.
“This selective approach to security is unacceptable and must end. The government must demonstrate that it values all Nigerian lives equally, regardless of region or ethnicity,” HURIWA said.
HURIWA also criticized the South East Governors Forum (SEGF) and other leaders in the region for their perceived silence and inaction regarding the plight of their people.
The group urged the governors, traditional rulers, clergy, and civic leaders to take a more proactive stance in defending the rights of the South East populace.
“It is disheartening that many of our leaders have chosen to remain silent in the face of gross injustices against their people.
“We call on the South East Governors Forum, Ohaneze, and other stakeholders to rise to the occasion and engage the Federal Government to ensure the release of Nnamdi Kanu and the cessation of hostilities in the region,” HURIWA stated.
HURIWA reiterated its commitment to advocating for justice and peace in the South East and across Nigeria. The group emphasized that achieving lasting peace requires genuine dialogue, respect for human rights, and a commitment to addressing the root causes of insecurity.
“The South East deserves peace and stability, and the Federal Government has to ensure this. The immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu and other detained IPOB members is a crucial first step.
“We also urge the government to prioritize dialogue and development over militarization, as this is the only path to a truly united and prosperous Nigeria,” HURIWA concluded.
The rights group called on President Tinubu to rise above political considerations and demonstrate statesmanship by addressing the concerns of the South East with the urgency and sincerity they deserve.
