President Muhammadu Buhari Friday received some Igbo elders from the South-East at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
The meeting held at the President’s office was attended by former Governor of Anambra State, Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Minister of Science and Technology Ogbonnaya Onu, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Georffey Onyeama and Co-chair Interfaith Dialogue Forum for Peace, Bishop Sunday Onuoha, Tagbo Amaechi, Goddy Uwazurike and Mbazulike Amaechi.
Also present at the meeting was the Chief of Staff to the President, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, National Security Adviser, Major-General Babagana Monguno (Rtd), Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, Minister of State Education, Chukwuemeka Nwajuiba.
Although the details of what the leaders discussed with the President at the meeting was not disclosed, but sources say it might not be unconnected with the request for the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)Nnamdi Kanu who has been leading an agitation for the restoration ọ Biafra republic.
The meeting between the South-East elders and the President was the major condition that convinced IPOB leadership to rescind the order for 5-day sit-at-home that would have affected the conduct of the November 6 Anambra State Governorship election.
It is believed that several issues bothering the South-East region in Nigeria, including reported marginalisation and agitation for a separate state were also discussed.
The elders who met with the President however declined comments when approached by State House correspondents for an interview on the outcome of the meeting.