Chief Onyemelukwe Eusebius Zonyelu, a renowned financial expert from Igboukwu and Senatorial aspirant under the Action Peoples Party (APP) in the forthcoming Anambra South Senatorial District by-election, has strongly condemned the recent spate of killings across the country, particularly in Benue State and other affected regions.
In a statement issued over the weekend, Chief Onyemelukwe expressed deep sorrow over the loss of innocent lives, describing the killings as inhumane and unacceptable in a civilized society. He appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently beef up security across all parts of the country, emphasizing that the protection of lives and property remains the fundamental duty of any democratically elected leader.
“Without security, no sector of the economy can thrive,” Chief Onyemelukwe stated, while urging the government to prioritize safety as a cornerstone of national development.
Citing the Quran to reinforce the sanctity of human life, he quoted Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:32): “Whoever kills a soul unless for a soul or for corruption [done] in the land – it is as if he had slain mankind entirely. And whoever saves one – it is as if he had saved mankind entirely.” He described the ongoing bloodshed as “a silent genocide” and called on both the federal government and citizens to rise in collective condemnation.
The senatorial hopeful also spoke on the continued detention of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, labeling it as unjust and detrimental to the nation’s unity and economy. He argued that with all charges reportedly dropped, the federal government should immediately discharge and acquit Kanu.
“Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has always been an advocate of good governance. Now that the government has closed all the cases against him, justice demands that he be released,” Chief Onyemelukwe said.
He reminded President Tinubu of his own past as a pro-democracy activist during the NADECO era and urged him not to abandon the ideals of justice and equity now that he holds the highest office in the land.
Chief Onyemelukwe also appealed to the President’s son, Seyi Tinubu, to play a mediating role by urging his father to take decisive action to end the killings and ensure Kanu’s release. In a surprising political gesture, he pledged to mobilize support from the Igbo community in Lagos to back Seyi Tinubu’s rumored 2027 Lagos Governorship ambition, should he support these causes.
In closing, Chief Onyemelukwe commended President Tinubu for his administration’s efforts in establishing the South East Development Commission (SEDC) and acknowledged the government’s ongoing contributions to the progress of the South East and Nigeria at large.
“God bless the President of Nigeria, Alhaji Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
God bless Seyi Tinubu.
God bless Nigeria.
God bless the Igbo ethnic group,” he concluded.
