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By Bianca Iboma-Emefu
The Lagos Chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has called on President Bola Tinubu to consider a political solution for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. The group argued that Kalu’s release would address the ongoing security challenges in the South East region, which has been exacerbated by the enforcement of Monday sit-at-home order.
The group believed that resolving Kanu’s situation would contribute to improved stability and security in the area, which has been facing significant unrest.
The group made the appeal during a peace reconciliation forum held recently in Lagos,to tackle the internal crisis bedeviling the progress of the association.
The group stated that the call for clemency is driven by the desire to foster peace and reconciliation in the region, especially during this yuletide season typically associated with Joy,peace, goodwill and unity.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo emphasized that granting political pardon to Nnamdi Kanu would symbolize a commitment to dialogue and understanding, essential for healing the wounds and divisions within the society.
In ta statement, the organization referenced the historical context of regional grievances and the need for community cohesion as Nigeria navigates its complex socio-political landscape.
With the Christmas season representing hope and new beginnings, Ohanaeze Ndigbo believes that such a gesture would resonate deeply with the values associated with the celebration, fostering a spirit of goodwill among all Nigerians.
Chairman of the group Apollos Daniel Chukwuemeka said that releasing Kanu would open avenues for constructive conversations about the aspirations and rights of the Igbo people, while also setting a precedent for addressing other contentious issues within the country.
Also, addressing the prolonged detention of Nnamdi Kanu, Coordinator of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Southwest, Everest Ozonweke, stated that the continued detention of Kanu has become a nightmare for the South East,”His incarceration has exacerbated insecurity, including the Monday sit-at-home order, which disrupt economic activities. If he is released, it will restore calm, stop the sit-at-home orders, and give the region a sense of direction. We appeal to President Tinubu to use political means to secure his release.”
Ozonweke also appealed to the Lagos State Governor to grant clemency to Eze Frederick Nwajuagu, Eze Igbo of Ajao Estate, who has been incarcerated for over a year.
Citing the ongoing security challenges in the South East linked to the Monday sit-at-home order,
Chioma Adeoye said Igbo leaders in Lagos gathered in the place for conflict resolution under the umbrella of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide .
“The rift in Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos has been resolved and we are united as one big family for the progress of the South East region. Kanu’s release will restore peace, enable the perpetrators of violence in the South-East to be identified and totally put an end to the disturbing sit-at-home practice in the region.
“Our major demand in this year’s yuletide celebration is for the President to use the joy attached to the day to grant a political pardon to one of our sons and the leader of IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, from the DSS detention”.
Crowned Prince Ubochi Chukwunyere,said that the day was crucial in the life Of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos, because we just installed a new set of executive members for administrative purposes.
“We revamp Ndigbo in Lagos State and re- energized the chairmen of the local government, 57 local government and LCDAs so we re-energized them today and they are set to function more effectively
Prince Ubochi added that the Communique that was issued calls for the release of of our son Kanu. This is the desire of all Igbos. We believe releasing him will help to diffuse the insecurity in the South East.This will help us so we can know who are the true criminals, people are now hiding under the guise of the incarceration of Nnamdi Kanu to commit all sort of atrocities and crimes.
“ If he is released we would really be able to know who and those behind the unknown gun men terrorizing the south east region.Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State would be formidable again as we can see to the parties and factions that existed has pledged to work together under the leadership of Sunday Ossai and it is very clear that the determination is unstoppable and I think going home today every person that is here will taken down to chairman in all their local government that peace has been restored to Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State,so we are going to work more closely with the state government and the security agencies to help in making sure that Lagos State where we all live in becomes peaceful again .
