From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri
Igbo Heroes Foundation (IHF) has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to release leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, to commemorate June 12.
National Coordinator, Chinedu Nsofor, former aide to the late Ohanaeze president, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, who is also founder of IHF recalled that before his death, he and other Igbo political leaders had pleaded for Kanu’s unconditional release.
He noted that the best gift President Tinubu can give to Igbo is the release of the pro Biafra group leader. “As Nigeria celebrates yet another Democracy Day, we at the Igbo Heroes Foundation reflect on the journey so far with deep concern and patriotic hope.
“Democracy, by its very definition, thrives on the principles of freedom, justice, equity, and the rule of law. It is a system built on the voice of the people and the protection of their rights.
“As Nigerians across the federation mark this important day, it is imperative that we remind ourselves of the ideals we claim to uphold. True democracy must be inclusive and must respond to the cries of the marginalized and the silenced.
“In this light, We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government of Nigeria to use this year’s Democracy Day as an opportunity to demonstrate true statesmanship and national healing by releasing Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
“The best gift the Federal Government can give to the Igbo nation on this Democracy Day is the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu.
“His prolonged detention, despite various legal pronouncements in his favour, continues to hurt the soul of the Igbo people and stain the fabric of our national unity.”
Nsofor noted that it is worth recalling that the United Nations Human Rights Council Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, in its 2022 opinion, called for the immediate and unconditional release of Mazi Kanu and compensation for his arbitrary detention.
“Furthermore, the Court of Appeal of Nigeria, in October 2022, discharged and acquitted him of all charges, citing that his extraordinary rendition from Kenya was unlawful and in violation of international law.
“These rulings should not be ignored in a country that claims to respect the rule of law. Democracy without respect for judicial decisions is no democracy at all.
“We urge the Federal Government to heed these calls and take bold, reconciliatory steps that foster unity, peace and healing.
“The release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu will not only pacify the aggrieved hearts in the Southeast but also send a strong message to all Nigerians and the international community that this government values justice, equity, and the sanctity of the democratic process,” Nsofor stated.
