The Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, has dismissed claims that Governor Chukwuma Soludo opposes the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Mefor clarified this on Tuesday, labeling such allegations as “misinformation” propagated by opposition politicians threatened by the governor’s achievements.
The clarification comes after IPOB criticized Soludo for suggesting that Kanu’s release might not resolve the insecurity in the Southeast, arguing that criminals had hijacked the Biafran agitation for personal gain.
“Kanu and IPOB have repeatedly dissociated themselves from these criminals,” Soludo had stated. “Even if Nnamdi Kanu is released today, I’m not sure they would listen to him because they now pursue wealth, not liberation. They have become enemies of the people they claim to protect.”
In response, IPOB accused Soludo of aligning with politicians who favor Kanu’s continued detention. However, the Anambra State Government reiterated that Soludo has actively supported Kanu’s release.
Dr. Mefor emphasized that the governor’s commitment was evident in his visit to Kanu at the Department of State Services (DSS) facility, where Soludo offered to take Kanu on administrative bail and assured the authorities of Kanu’s compliance with any conditions set for his release.
“Governor Soludo firmly believes that Kanu’s release could help restore peace and stability in the Southeast,” Mefor stated. “However, the governor remains deeply concerned about the hijacking of the Biafra agitation by criminals engaging in kidnapping, robbery, and other heinous crimes, which have undermined the movement’s legitimacy and contributed to insecurity in the region.”
To combat the region’s security challenges, Mefor announced the launch of **Operation Udo Ga-Achi** (Operation Peace Shall Reign) in January. This initiative will incorporate advanced surveillance technology, branded vehicles for stop-and-search operations, and trained forest guards working alongside vigilantes and local authorities.
The commissioner also lamented the detrimental impact of criminal activities on the Southeast’s economy, noting that the region’s insecurity deters investors and hinders economic growth.
Mefor concluded by urging citizens to disregard misinformation and focus on the Soludo administration’s efforts to restore peace and stability, particularly through initiatives like Operation Udo Ga-Achi and the ongoing advocacy for Kanu’s release.
