The governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Mr Valentine Ozigbo has called on the Federal Government to release Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra to end the problems in the Southeast
However, he declared that a different approach should be adopted in addressing the agitations for self-determination in the country.
Ozigbo and 17 others are contesting the November 6 governorship election in Anambra State as listed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
He spoke on Sunday night in Awka, Anambra State during a governorship debate, organised by a local radio station where he appeared with three other candidates
However, the two other front runners with Ozigbo for the governorship seat, Prof Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and Senator Andy Uba of the All Progressives Congress (APC) were absent.-
On the detained IPOB leader, Ozigbo said that Nnamdi Kanu should be released by the APC government, adding that non-violent and diplomatic means of addressing the calls for secession should be adopted.
According to the PDP chieftain: “Indeed, Nnamdi Kanu should actually be released while we go back to the root cause for the agitatition.
“I always focus on the root causes of problem-solving. We can’t be addressing a problem from the symptoms. An efficient way to address any crisis is to deal with the root.
“Why the agitations? If you think deeply, you’ll understand that it is because Nigeria is not working. Our leaders have failed us. The sense of hopelessness brought about by poor governance pervades the land.
“There’s a lot we need to do to get Nigeria working again. The poor road networks, decayed infrastructure, failed social systems, a devastating healthcare sector, a shrinking economy, lack of opportunities, and many more manifestations of poor governance leads to the question of ‘Is there any need to be part of Nigeria, anyway?’
“As a way out of the current crisis, we need a fresh approach to leadership. Nigeria must focus on raising the competitiveness of the country, among other solutions. “We must do away with nepotism and entrench competency.
“We must restructure Nigeria to be more just, more competitive, and more inclusive,” Ozigbo demanded.
Others who appeared at the debate were, Col. Geoffrey Onyejegbu (Rtd) the candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM); Dr Chidozie Nwankwo of the African Action Congress (AAC), and Chief Akachukwu Nwamkpo of African Democratic Congress (ADC).
(The Nation)
