- Nnamdi Kanu, who has been in detention since June 2021, is facing charges related to treasonable felony and terrorism
The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has called on President Bola Tinubu to grant political pardon to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), as Nigeria marks its 64th Independence anniversary.
In an interview in Awka, Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene, National Vice President of Ohanaeze, argued that releasing Kanu would help restore peace in the South East, enable the government to identify those responsible for ongoing violence, and effectively end the recurring sit-at-home orders that have disrupted the region.
“Our primary demand this Independence Day is for the President to seize this moment of national celebration to grant political pardon to our son, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, currently held in DSS detention,” Okeke-Ogene said.
He added that Ohanaeze believes in the unity and democracy of Nigeria and that Kanu’s release would foster peace and stability among all Nigerians living in the South East. “We also urge South East governors to reinforce security frameworks and improve the welfare of people in the region,” he stated.
The Ohanaeze leader called on President Tinubu to take urgent steps to alleviate the suffering of millions of Nigerians facing insecurity, hunger, and other socio-economic challenges, lamenting that the country’s development has been slow.
Nnamdi Kanu, who has been in detention since June 2021, is facing charges related to treasonable felony and terrorism. The IPOB leader has previously denied any wrongdoing, and his continued detention has fuelled unrest and sit-at-home protests across the South East.