Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State, hosting a group in the United States (US), American Veterans of Igbo Origin, during a courtesy visit in Washington DC, United States of America, called President Muhammadu Buhari to order the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to make the peace process in Nigeria be taken seriously.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Diaspora Affairs, Peters Ichull, in a statement indicated that Governor Ortom emphasized that the Nnamdi Kanu case has become a socio-political challenge that must be dealt with politically. The governor noted Boko Haram members who pose a greater threat to the country’s unity have often been freed, resettled and some integrated into the armed forces.
Ortom declared that Southeast Nigeria must be given a sense of belonging to erase the impression of persecution of a section of the country.
The governor urged the Igbo veterans in the United States to believe in one Nigeria, saying that no country on earth is without its challenges.
The American Veterans of Igbo Origin was led on the courtesy visit by the President, Sylvester Onyia, and the Vice President, Joe Nduka. Others in the delegation include the Public Relations Officer, Ofo, and former Nigerian Ambassador to South Africa, Uche Ajulu-Okeke.
The president commended Governor Ortom for his fearless confrontation of Nigeria’s ills, saying that only such a stand from leaders can build bridges of understanding and give hope to despairing Nigerians abroad that one Nigeria is possible.
The group expressed fears over the 2923 general election, citing the spate of insecurity in the country. The group urged Governor Ortom not to relent on pursuing the best security options.