Release Kanu or Lose the South-East: RULAAC Issues Warning to FG
In its recent pronouncement, RULAAC linked the continued detention of the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to the deepening security crisis in the region. The group argued that his release would open the door to meaningful dialogue, restore trust and serve as a catalyst for stability.
The call echoes similar proposals from the House of Representatives Committee on South East Development Commission which stressed that Kanu’s incarceration has “fueled tensions, deepened grievances and hindered stability” in the region. Stakeholders believe that only an inclusive political solution, rather than purely security driven tactics can break the cycle of unrest.
RULAAC’s intervention arrives amid mounting concern over escalating armed attacks, agrarian violence, abductions and targeted killings in the five states of the South-East. The organisation pressed law-enforcement agencies to act equitably and urged the government to consider political redress as part of its peace toolkit.
For its part, the government has not publicly tied the release of Kanu to its security strategy, and some political actors caution that such a move without safeguards could pose unforeseen risks. Nonetheless, the broader message from civil society is clear: sustainable peace in the South-East cannot be achieved without addressing the political dimension of the crisis.
As Nigeria watches, the question remains whether the federal government will respond to the appeal, and if so, whether the release of a single high-profile detainee will indeed unlock lasting dialogue, or simply shift the terms of the stalemate.
