From Everest Ezihe, Owerri
Chief Leo Stan Ekeh has advised the five Governors of the South-East to present the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Ekeh, the Chairman, Zinox Group, gave the advise in Owerri, the Imo State in a good will message he presented during the South-East Summit on Economy and Security, noting that a positive outcome will certainly quell the restiveness in the region and usher in sustainable prosperity.
Ekeh, a Forbes Best of Africa Leading Tech Icon and major investor in the South-East and across Nigeria, said it is point blank that no concrete investment or development can take place in an environment of tension and insecurity.
Consequently, he urged the governors to put aside party affiliations and forge a common front to press for the release of the pro-Biafra agitator, Kanu.
According to him, ‘‘an average Igbo youth is smart, energetic and imbued with a dose of spirituality.
‘‘However, we must first take steps to secure the release of Nnamdi Kanu as this will instantly bring about a measure of calm and sanity in the region. Kanu is a critical factor in the security issues of the South-East.
“President Bola Tinubu is not a stubborn or inconsiderate leader. I am sure he will listen”.
In his welcome address, Gov Uzodimma, harped on the need for unity and oneness among people from the zone to rescue it from implosion.
Uzodinma cited the spate of insecurity and the antics of non-state actors in the region.
He also hailed the planned dredging of Oguta Lake to Atlantic Ocean as a step in the right direction, while also commending the Nnewi, Aba and Onitsha businessmen and women for exhibiting and sustaining the business spirit of Ndigbo.
On his part, Anambra State Governor, Chukuma Soludo called for a 100-year development plan for the region.
Soludo said the region must make all efforts to thrive despite the ongoing insecurity, adding that the South-East zone is not the most insecure place in the world.
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, said the dialogue represents the way forward in addressing the insecurity in the zone.
Also, Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah talked up the need for a connecting road to all South-East states and a unified market to aid the region enjoy comparative advantage for specific products.
The Ebonyi State Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru, who was represented by his Deputy, Princess Patricia Onyemechi also buttressed some of the points raised by the other speakers, while also recommending closer monitoring of children to nip nefarious associations in the bud and the need for the people of the South-East to believe in themselves.
Equally important, the keynote speaker and Director General of the World Trade Organization, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala lamented the regressing fortunes of the South-East and the negative impacts of the insecurity in the zone on potential investment.
Leader of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu called for more investment by the Federal Government in the South-East. There were also goodwill messages from other key stakeholders including traditional rulers and other establishments, while the Summit Planning Committee, led by its Chairman Sen. Chris Anyanwu also received praises from virtually all the speakers for the professional organization of the event.
