By Ologeh Joseph Chibu
As Nigeria celebrates its 64th Independence anniversary, the apex Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has called on President Bola Tinubu to grant a political pardon to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
The appeal was made by the Vice-President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene, during a ceremony in Awka to mark the national celebration on Tuesday. Kanu has been facing trial since his extradition from Kenya in 2021.
Okeke-Ogene emphasized that Kanu’s release would be a significant step toward restoring peace in the South-East and addressing the violence attributed to the sit-at-home orders that have disrupted the region.
“Our major demand in this year’s Independence Day celebration is for the President to use the joy attached to the day to grant political pardon to one of our sons, the leader of IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, from DSS detention,” Okeke-Ogene said. “Ohanaeze believes in Nigeria’s democracy, and we strongly believe that the release of Nnamdi Kanu will restore total peace and unity for all Nigerians residing in Igbo land.”
Call for Improved Security and Governance in the South-East
Okeke-Ogene also urged governors in the South-East to strengthen the region’s security measures and improve the welfare of its people. He expressed concern about the ongoing challenges in the region, calling on President Tinubu to take decisive action to address the insecurity, hunger, and economic hardships affecting millions of Nigerians.
“We urge the President to take swift and meaningful action to bring relief to Nigerians who are struggling with various socio-economic issues,” he added, lamenting the slow pace of development across the country.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s plea for Kanu’s release reflects the organization’s broader goal of fostering peace and unity in the South-East while promoting the welfare of the people in the region and across Nigeria.