By Jude Atupulazi
The continued detention of the leader of the separatist movement, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, by the Federal Government, despite the court ordering his release, has been frowned upon by the Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, Chief Victor Umeh, who has once more demanded for Kanu’s immediate release.
This is just as Umeh has expressed unhappiness with the exclusion of the Eastern Rail Line from the Federal Budget, despite his efforts to have it included.
Umeh, while reacting to the emergence of a new National President of apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohaneze Ndigbo, urged the new leadership to put the release of Kanu on the front burner of priorities, arguing that his continued incarceration was causing problems in the Igbo Nation.
He revealed that he, along with other Southeast Senators, had met with the Attorney General of the Federation to request Kanu’s release, noting that the courts had already ordered his release, but the government had failed to comply.
Umeh also expressed dissatisfaction with the exclusion of the Eastern Rail Line from the Federal Budget, despite his sponsoring of a motion for the construction of a standard gauge rail line from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri, co-sponsored by 35 other senators.
Umeh stressed that the Igbo People had continued to face marginalization and exclusion and urged the government to address those issues.
He also commented on the new leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, urging them to remain focused on fighting for Igbo interests and not be swayed by political considerations.
Umeh noted that Nnamdi Kanu’s agitation was centered on the rights and freedom of his people, highlighting the need for the government to address the underlying issues driving the agitation.