Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day has sparked a significant appeal from Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization. They’re urging President Bola Tinubu to grant a political pardon to Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) ¹.
Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene, Vice-President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, made this appeal during a ceremony in Awka, emphasizing that Kanu’s release would restore peace and unity in the South-East region. Kanu has been in DSS custody since his extradition from Kenya in 2021.
Key Reasons for the Appeal:
- Restoring Peace: Ohanaeze believes Kanu’s release will bring peace to the region and enable the identification of perpetrators of violence.
- Ending Sit-at-Home Practice: The organization hopes that Kanu’s freedom will put an end to the disturbing sit-at-home practice in the region.
- Improving Security and Welfare: Ohanaeze also calls on South-East governors to enhance security and welfare for the region’s residents.
Okeke-Ogene stressed that Nigeria’s democracy and the release of Kanu would bring smiles to millions of Nigerians facing insecurity, hunger, and socio-economic challenges. He lamented that the country’s development is progressing at a snail’s pace.
This appeal comes as President Tinubu marks his first Independence Day in office, with many eyes on his administration’s next moves. Will Kanu’s pardon be granted, and what impact will it have on Nigeria’s unity and progress?
