The Igbo socio-cultural and socio-political organisation, Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, has pleaded with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to use the joy associated with the celebration of Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary to grant a political pardon to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
This appeal was made through Ohaneze Ndigbo’s National Vice President, Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene, in an interview with journalists in Awka on Tuesday, to commemorate the day.
According to Okeke-Ogene, Kanu’s release would restore peace, enable the identification of those perpetuating violence, and ultimately put an end to the disturbing sit-at-home practice in the southeast region.
He said, “Our major demand in this year’s independence day celebration is for the President to use the joy associated with the day to grant a political pardon to one of our sons and the leader of IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, from DSS detention.”
“Ohaneze believes in Nigeria’s democracy, and we also strongly believe that the release of Nnamdi Kanu will restore total peace and unity for all Nigerians residing in Igbo land.”
“We also call on the southeast governors to sustain the security architecture and welfare of the people in the region.”
Okeke-Ogene further urged President Tinubu to urgently do the needful to put a smile on the faces of millions of Nigerians amidst insecurity, hunger, and other socio-economic challenges.
He also lamented that the country is still developing at a snail’s pace.
In a similar development, the family of the detained Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has pleaded with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to honour and immortalize the late President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, by releasing Kanu.
The family also challenged South East Governors and other stakeholders from the zone to show leadership by uniting and aggressively pressing for Kanu’s release.