By Ovat Abeng
The Igbo Socio-Cultural Organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has called for unconditional release of the incarcerated leader of proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
The Igbo nation made the call at 2025 Igbo day celebration held at the Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka, the Anambra State capital, on Monday and attended by Igbo speaking people from Abia, Anambra, Benue, Delta, Edo, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo and Rivers States.
The occasion was also used by the traditional rulers from the above mentioned states to crown Governor Chukwuma Soludo as Oku nyeru Ife (the light that rekindles light in Igbo land).
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The National President, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator Azuta Mbata, represented by the Deputy President General, Prince Okey Nwadinobi, while making the call, explained that releasing Kanu was necessary given that no court of competent jurisdiction has found him wanting.
Mbata also expressed confidence that releasing Kanu would bring lasting peace and stability in the land and enjoined President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider it a pact for the independence celebration.
On the Igbo day celebration, the senator said it was aimed at remembering the Igbo people who lost their lives during the civil war, including those that lost their lives to violence across the country, noting that the Igbo have already forgiven those that contributed to the killings but would never love to witness a repeat of such in future.
“We have also forgiven those who killed our people and ask them to forgive us too. We don’t want a repeat of such killings in Nigeria and other parts of the country. 29th September is a day set aside to remember our brothers and sisters brutally murdered on September 29th, 1966 and those killed all over the country before and after the war.
“We remain proud of our heroes past and look up for the new heroes. We are compel to do the right things at all times to each other. We are calling on everyone to be united. We do not want a desolate Igbo land. We want to build an Igbo land as destination for all.
“We will stand up for each other to build a nation that is strong, economy that is viable and strong, a united and progressive Igbo land. We are not calling for a special interest to be given to the Igbo but an equal right, access and opportunity to live and make Nigeria proud,” Mbata added.
On his part, Governor Chukwuma Soludo, who was bestowed with chieftaincy title of oku nyeru Ife, appealed to president Bola Tinubu to considering release of Kanu a top priority to the people as it would speedup engagements for better and prosperous Nigeria.
“We have seen the devastating effects of war, and it is crucial we prioritize peace and collaboration. I urge Ohanaeze Ndigbo to lead the charge in reviving and promoting our value system through moral transformation. I’m also reiterating my earlier call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (Asiwaju of Nigeria) for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,” he stated.
The governor, while commending Ohanaeze for the honour, urged them to see Igbo day occasion as a tine for a sobber reflection on our past and what the future holds for us.
He said, “Our future lies in having a prosperous homeland. We cannot be confined in one tiny geopolitical zone as the Igbo. We are very industrious people. The Igbo needs Nigeria and Nigeria needs the Igbo. The Igbo needs the Africa and the Africa need the Igbo. The Igbo needs the world and the world needs the Igbo.
Therefore, we must hold unto the spirit of oneness and tolerance we were known for.”We are major stakeholder in Nigerian project and must be eager to always stand out, support in building a livable and prosperous Homeland. We must not live anyone behind. The debate for the Igbo liberation must not be to leave Nigeria.
The Igbo are not known for killing themselves or their visitors. We need social and moral rebirth. We must stop celebrating wealth gotten through the magical means.”
Also speaking, the Anambra State President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezekwu, commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for always standing for the truth, noting that his leadership style and developmental strides across board was why they decided to honour him at the occasion.
According to Okpalaezeukwu, although the State changed from home for all to light of the nation it became a reality during the time of Soludo as a governor.
“We have finally become the light of the nation under governor Soludo. He has through his leadership styles lightened Anambra State in infrastructure, security, education and other sectors,” he stated.
