October 01, (THEWILL) – The pan Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tunubu to use the opportunity of the 63rd Nigeria Independence Anniversary to grant a Presidential pardon to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and Sunday Igboho.
Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, stated that the unconditional freedom of Kanu and Igboho would help to alleviate the threats of disintegration facing Nigeria.
According to him, the Federal Government should use the occasion of the 63rd Independence Day anniversary to demonstrate a commitment to unity and peace, in the spirit of the sacrifices made by the nation’s founding fathers.
“The 63rd Independence Day anniversary of Nigeria on the 1st of October 2023 will be observed with mixed feelings. While the nation is celebrating its freedom from colonial rule, it also grapples with the ongoing tensions and political unrest within its borders.
“The apex Igbo organization, in particular, reflected on the significant contributions of Nigerian Nationalists towards achieving independence in Nigeria in 1960.
“Dr. Nnamdi Azikwe, a Pan-Africanist and prominent Igbo leader, was one of the key figures who led the struggle for Nigeria’s independence. His efforts, along with those of other nationalists, were instrumental in achieving sovereignty for Nigeria.
“However, the current political climate has led to a resurgence of calls for secession, particularly from the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), led by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
“The detention of Kanu by the Federal Government, led by President Tinubu, has been a source of tension and controversy. Many Nigerians are questioning the government’s actions, particularly as they contrast with the lack of prosecution for Yoruba activist Sunday Igboho.
“Both activists have been vocal about the need for improved security and economic conditions in Southern Nigeria, a cause that gained traction under the previous administration of President Buhari.
“The Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural group, has called on President Tinubu to consider the unity of Nigeria above other interests. They have pleaded for a Presidential pardon for both Kanu and Igboho, arguing that this would honour the sacrifices made by Nigerian nationalists like Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, and Ahmadu Bello,” he said.
Sunday Ogbu is a professional journalist with eight - twelve years experience that had worked with various print and online media. Sunday specializes in news reporting with the aim of educating his readers on current social, political and economic occurences within his area of coverage. Sunday is a strong force to work with in the media industry and uses his positive attitude and tireless energy to encourage others to work hard and succeed. Sunday is inspired daily by his wife and their four children. In his free time, Sunday likes sight-seeing, reading and discussing issues of societal interest.
