Ohanaeze Ndigbo Calls for Political Pardon for Nnamdi Kanu

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, the leading Igbo socio-cultural group, has called on President Bola Tinubu to extend a political pardon to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), as part of the celebrations marking Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day.

Speaking in Awka, Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene, the National Vice President of Ohanaeze, highlighted that releasing Kanu could pave the way for lasting peace in the South East. According to him, Kanu’s release would enable the government to better identify those responsible for ongoing violence and put an end to the disruptive sit-at-home protests that have plagued the region.

“Our primary appeal this Independence Day is for President Tinubu to grant political pardon to our son, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, who remains in DSS custody,” Okeke-Ogene said. He emphasized that Ohanaeze is committed to Nigeria’s democratic progress, and believes Kanu’s release would promote peace and harmony for all Nigerians living in the South East.

Okeke-Ogene also called on the South East governors to reinforce the security apparatus and improve the welfare of the region’s citizens. He urged President Tinubu to swiftly address the pressing issues of insecurity, hunger, and socio-economic challenges affecting millions of Nigerians, lamenting the nation’s slow pace of development.