The Igbo Women Assembly (IWA) has called on the Federal Government to demilitarize the South-East region and unconditionally release Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
During the inauguration of IWA’s Umuahia chapter, its president, Lolo Chimezie, decried the heavy military presence on roads across the region. She described the deployment as harmful and counterproductive, alleging harassment of youths and exacerbation of insecurity. Chimezie proposed that military patrols, rather than checkpoints, would better address security concerns.
The group also emphasized that Kanu’s detention has emboldened criminals who disguise themselves as Biafra agitators to commit heinous crimes. According to IWA, releasing Kanu is crucial to delegitimizing these criminal activities and restoring peace to the South-East.
Furthermore, the IWA advocated for the revival of local vigilante groups to tackle insecurity and urged governors in the region to collaborate on this initiative.
The group also addressed the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, calling for a rotational presidency and asserting that Rivers State should produce the next president. Chimezie warned that attempts to bypass this arrangement could create unnecessary disputes and erode confidence among the Igbo people.
The IWA’s demands reflect growing calls for sustainable solutions to the challenges facing the South-East.
Source: Punch Newspaper