The member representing Ohaozara/Onicha/Ivo (OHANAIVO) Federal Constituency, Hon Kama Nkemkanma, has attributed the shutting down of several businesses and refusal of investors to come to the South East zone to the activities of criminal elements that use the sit-at-home order to perpetrate evil.
Hon Nkemkanma who expressed sadness over the continued killings and violence in the zone maintained that the activities of the hoodlums have contributed in no small measure to the agony, hardship and economic deprivation in the zone.
In an open letter dated February 7, 2025 and titled, “Appeal for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,” Hon Nkemkanma said, since Kanu was arrested, the South East had been witnessing heightened tensions, with peaceful calls for his release hijacked and overshadowed by violent attacks from criminal elements, who he said, have exploited his detention, through the “illegal and unpopular Monday Sit-at-Home order.”
“These criminal elements have perpetuated violence and intimidation, paralysing commerce, education and social life in the zone. Their activities have disrupted businesses in thriving hubs like the Main Market in Onitsha and Ariaria International Market in Aba, eroding the region’s economic vitality.
“Worse still, these criminal syndicates have taken advantage of this unrest to promote and propagate other unethical and ungodly practices leading to a surge in kidnappings, killings and destruction of property.
“These have inevitably led to companies shutting down, investors fleeing, rising unemployment, creating a climate of fear and instability with many towns now ghosted for fear of being exterminated by these criminals.
“I understand the gravity of this charge. However, my appeal stems from the collateral damage accrued as its result as well as my concern for the escalating socio-economic crisis and human sufferings in South East, and my belief in your leadership as a beacon of national unity and reconciliation in line with your “Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Traitors; who are criminals and anarchists masquerading as agitators, are exploiting the current situation for their selfish and criminal gains, sowing discord and perpetuating crimes in our land, using Kanu’s case to legitimise violence, extortion and terror,” Hon Kama stated.
The Lawmaker said he was compelled to write President Tinubu due to the urgent need to restore peace, stability, and economic prosperity to the South East region.
“Your Excellency Sir, as a lawmaker, I acknowledge the gravity of treasonable charges, yet I plead with you to consider the broader imperative of national peace and economic growth just like the ‘doctrine of necessity’ was used sometime ago in this country to ensure peace, unity and stability.
“Today, I appeal to you, our beloved Father, in line with your “Renewed Hope Agenda” to renew our hopes once again in the South East by extending the same courage and passion that motivated you to approve a development commission for the region, to pardon and release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,” he pleaded.
