The Association of Igbo Town Unions (ASITU) has unveiled a tripartite security strategy aimed at addressing the lingering insecurity in the Southeast.

The organisation emphasised the need for a sustainable and inclusive approach to resolving the crisis in the area and fostering regional development.

In a statement signed by its National President, Chief Emeka Diwe, ASITU expressed concern over the continued loss of lives and disruption of economic activities in the region due to insecurity.

The group outlined three key steps to restore peace: the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, addressing Igbo marginalisation, and promoting the Aku Ruo Ulo Investment Initiative.

ASITU urged the Federal Government to release the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, as a crucial step towards peace.

They said: ?First, we call for the unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Kanu has emerged as the symptom of the malady besetting Igboland, and never the cause. With many individuals and groups claiming to be motivated by his cause, it is, however, imperative to distinguish between the legitimate aspirations of pro-Biafran agitators and the criminal elements who have hijacked the movement for personal gain.

?By releasing Mazi Kanu, the Federal Government will demonstrate a commitment to justice, human rights, and the rule of law. This will go a long way in reducing tensions and separating the true agitators from those engaged in criminal activities. Furthermore, obeying the court orders that have declared his detention illegal will show that the administration is committed to upholding the principles of democracy and due process.?

The association also called for the discontinuation of Kanu?s trial, arguing that it would pave the way for dialogue and national unity.

They decried the perceived marginalisation of the Igbo people in Nigeria, highlighting structural inequalities in governance, security appointments, and infrastructure development.

?ASITU acknowledges that the root cause of the current agitations in the Southeast is the deep-seated feeling of marginalisation that has persisted for decades. The Southeast region is the only one in Nigeria with five states, while other regions have six or seven, resulting in an inequitable distribution of resources and political power.

?The Igbo people have long felt left out in key decision-making processes, and this sense of injustice has fuelled agitation and resentment. The quota system, which was originally designed to ensure fairness, has been used as a tool of oppression against the Southeast, limiting opportunities for our people in key areas such as education, employment, and political appointments,? the statement reads.

ASITU also called on Igbo business leaders to invest in their homeland through the Aku Ruo Ulo Initiative, aimed at boosting local industries and job creation.

?Third, ASITU believes that one of the most effective ways to combat insecurity and create a prosperous future for the Southeast is through the implementation of the Aku Ruo Ulo Investment Initiative. This initiative calls for the steady, gradual, and seamless repatriation of some percentage of Igbo wealth, technical know-how, and investments back to Igbo land.?

The group stressed that this initiative, coupled with skills acquisition and entrepreneurship programmes, would help reduce youth unemployment and insecurity.

They called for collaboration among governments, town unions, and the private sector to achieve these objectives, emphasising that the proposed tripartite strategy would create a sustainable solution to insecurity in the region. (Sunday Sun)

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