American Veterans of Igbo Descent has urged the Federal Government to return Nigeria to the 1960/1963 regional autonomy to prevent the country’s implosion.
In a statement issued by Dr. Sylvester Onyia and Dr. Godson Obiagwu, AVID’s President and Secretary, respectively, the group commended the recent signing into law of the South East Development Commission but emphasized the need for urgent restructuring to avoid total collapse.
“The United States Military Veterans of Igbo Descent believes that a return of Nigeria to 1960/63 regional autonomy is the only way to mitigate Nigeria’s socio-economic and security problems,” the statement said.
AVID renewed its demand for the immediate and unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, stating that his predictions about Nigeria have almost been fulfilled. The group recalled that Kanu had agreed to a return to the 1960/1963 constitution as a condition to review his agitation for Biafra’s restoration before his house was invaded in 2017.
AVID advised the Presidency to consider returning to the 1960/1963 constitution to navigate the country out of its challenges. The statement also urged the Federal Government to consider other demands made by Kanu during a meeting with South East leaders, arguing that obliging these demands would help restore the confidence of the South East in the country.
The statement included the following demands made by Kanu in 2017:
– Make Enugu a grade one international airport
– Dredge River Niger to reduce importation losses
– Upgrade Owerri airport to a functional Cargo airport
– Make Port Harcourt Sea ports operate in full capacity
– Revive moribund industries in the South-East and South-South to provide job opportunities
AVID concluded by saying, “Release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu now!”