63rd Independence Anniversary: Ohanaeze re-echoes call on Nigerian Govt for Kanu, Igboho’s freedom

By Chijindu Emeruwa

The apex socio-cultural organisation in igbo land, Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide, posited on Saturday, that the unconditional freedom of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and the yoruba successionist leader, Sunday Igboho would help to alleviate the threats of disintegration facing Nigeria federation.

Ohanaeze regretted that the heightened tension and controversies in the country posed by Kanu’s continued incarceration at the detention facility of the Department of State Service (DSS) federal government of Nigeria

While reflecting on Nigeria’s journey as full-fledged nation since after her independence from British colonial rule in October 1, 1960, Ohanaeze Secretary General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro in a release on Saturday evening, stated that there’s nothing to celebrate as the nation grapples with myriads of challenges impeding her efforts to attain economic greatness.

According to pan-Igbo umbrella body, “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.

“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 highest igbo group added.

Continuing, Ohanaeze also stated:”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 continued dentention 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 Igbo organisation

Ohanaeze admonished the Nigerian government to use this year’s occasion of the 63rd Independence day anniversary to demonstrate its much-touted commitment to peace by ensuring unconditionally freedom of the IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, and popular yoruba activist, Sunday Igboho

Its words: “The Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural group call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider the unity of Nigeria and the great sacrifices made by Nigerian nationalists, like late Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and Alhaji Ahmadu Bello and the rest, above other interests by granting these two successionist leaders freedom from DSS detention facility, and freedom of movement”.