AWKA, Nigeria (CHATNEWSTV) — Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has dismissed allegations that he is reluctant to support the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), labeling them as politically motivated misinformation.
“These baseless claims are the work of desperate opposition figures threatened by my administration’s accomplishments,” Soludo said in a statement issued through Anambra’s Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, on Tuesday.
Soludo reaffirmed his commitment to securing Kanu’s release as part of a broader strategy to restore peace in Nigeria’s southeast. He highlighted his personal visit to Kanu at the Department of State Services (DSS) facility, where he offered to facilitate Kanu’s administrative bail.
“I have consistently advocated for his release, believing it will help stabilize the region. My stance has always been public and unequivocal,” Soludo said.
However, the governor also voiced concerns over criminal elements exploiting the Biafra agitation for personal gain, turning it into a “lucrative enterprise.” These groups, he said, are responsible for a wave of violent crimes, including kidnappings and ritual killings, that have destabilized the region.
To counter these threats, Soludo announced the launch of “Operation Udo Ga-Achi” (Operation Peace Shall Reign), a comprehensive security initiative set to begin this month. The program will incorporate advanced surveillance technologies, branded patrol vehicles, and forest guards working alongside vigilantes and local authorities.
“Operation Udo Ga-Achi will restore stability in Anambra and the wider southeast,” Soludo declared, adding that collaboration with security agencies and community engagement are key pillars of the initiative.
Soludo also highlighted his longstanding advocacy for Kanu, recalling a 2017 visit to Kanu in Kuje prison alongside Igbo leaders. Following that meeting, Soludo addressed a press conference calling for Kanu’s unconditional release.
Critics have dismissed the claims of opposition figures as politically driven. “These allegations are baseless and intended to undermine the progress we are making in tackling insecurity and fostering development,” said Commissioner Mefor.
The governor urged the public to cooperate with the government to address the region’s challenges. “Together, we can overcome insecurity and build a safer, more prosperous future for all,” he said.
