As Nigeria marks the 64thanniversary of independence, the Igbo socio-cultural and socio-political organisation, Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to use the joy associated with the celebration to grant a political pardon to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

The organization made the appeal through its National Vice President, Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene, in an interview with journalists in Awka on Tuesday, to commemorate the day.

Okeke-Ogene reiterated that Kanu’s release would restore peace, enable the identification of those perpetuating violence, and ultimately put an end to the disturbing sit-at-home practice in the southeast region.

According to him, “Our major demand in this year’s independence day celebration is for the President to use the joy associated with the day to grant a political pardon to one of our sons and the leader of IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, from DSS detention.”

“Ohaneze believes in Nigeria’s democracy, and we also strongly believe that the release of Nnamdi Kanu will restore total peace and unity for all Nigerians residing in Igbo land.”

“We also call on the southeast governors to sustain the security architecture and welfare of the people in the region.”

The National Vice President, while urging Tinubu to urgently do the needful to put a smile on the faces of millions of Nigerians amidst insecurity, hunger, and other socio-economic challenges, noted that the country is still developing at a snail’s pace. (Nigerian Tribune)