The Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has urged President Bola Tinubu to grant a political pardon to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), during Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day celebrations.

Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene, National Vice President of Ohanaeze, stated that Kanu’s release would “help restore peace,” enable the government to identify those responsible for violence, and end the sit-at-home protests in the South East. “Our primary demand this Independence Day is for the President to seize this moment of celebration to grant political pardon to our son, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, currently held in DSS detention,” Okeke-Ogene said.

He also urged South East governors to enhance security and welfare in the region, adding that Kanu’s release would foster unity. Okeke-Ogene called on Tinubu to address issues of insecurity and economic challenges facing the country, lamenting the slow pace of development.