Stakeholders at the “Handshake Conference” held in Enugu, the capital of Enugu State, have called for the release of the leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu and equal treatment for all Nigerians.
The forum which aims at fostering national unity and cohesion appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to release Kanu from detention without delay.
The conference, urged the president to direct the Office of the Attorney -General of the Federation to enter a nolle prosequi and release Kanu from detention at the Department of State Services (DSS) cell.
In a communique signed by president of Nzuko Umunna, Prof Chinedu Nebo and secretary Dr Uju Agomoh, the conference resolved to continue its bridge-building project, stating that more conferences would be organised in other parts of Nigeria.
The conference also called for equal citizen’s rights and demanded that Nigeria operates the true tenets of democracy, such as equity, fairness, and justice.
The conference also encouraged all ethnic nationalities to set up a replica of Nzuko Umunna, a reputable think-tank group, to help foster national unity, cohesion and inter-ethnic engagement.
Nzuko Umunna was happy to inaugurate its new leadership, led by Nebo, a former vice chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) and former minister of power.
Nebo, in his speech, emphasised the importance of South East integration and sustaining national partnership through “Handshake”, making it the major focus of his tenure.
The Handshake Conference conveyed its gratitude and appreciation to the Enugu State Government, especially Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, for being hospitable and hosting the conference.
The conference also thanked the South East Governors, particularly Governor Ugwuanyi, Imo State governor, and Ebonyi State governor, for their support.
The governors of Anambra and Abia states were also commended in principle. The Handshake Conference thanked all royal fathers, special guests, youths, students, women groups, leaders of all ethnic nationalities, and the media for honouring the invitation and participating actively.
