By Ekelaka Magnus.
The Apex sociocultural organization known as the Ohanaeze Ndigbo has re-terated its position to call on Mr. President, Ahmed Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government to release the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, according to them Kanu have stayed in detention for too long.
The National President of the organization Sen. Azuta Mbata represented by the National Vice President Prince Okey Nwadinobi, Sen. Mbata opined that, “As long as Nnamdi Kanu remains behind bars, Ndigbo remain behind bars. So, as this request gets to Mr. President today, we believe he will do the needful and release him,”
The National President of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator Azuta Mbata, also hinted why 29th September is marked world Igbo day and it’s significant to the Igbos, he said on 29th September, 1966, a development that formed part of the reason the Nigeria/Biafra war was fought, “We’re here today, not in celebration, but in commemoration; to remember thousands of our brothers and sisters, who were gruesomely massacred on 29 September, 1966, in the northern Nigeria; as well as some others killed in similar manner before and during the war. Our collective prayer is that the blood they shed for the survival of the Igbo nation and its people shall not be in vain, today, we can boldly say that we stand for one united Nigeria. Ndigbo have sacrificed so much for the development and survival of this project called Nigeria. We also ask that we be integrated and treated as part of the Nigerian nation. We do not request for preferential treatment. We asked that Ndigbo be given its rightful place in the country.”
On his part, Governor Charles Soludo has also joined in calling Mr. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the release of the leader of the indigenous people of Biafra (IPOB) Mazi Nnamdi Kanu who has been in the DSS detention for many years now.
Soludo who recounted that when Nnamdi Kanu was first arrested under the administration of former President Mohammadu Buhari, he was the first person who led a delegation to visit the IPOB leader at the Kuje Prison; adding that he also wrote a letter to the former president buhari to release him, “Today, again, I join my voice with those of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, and other well meaning Nigerians, to still request of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to graciously hear our prayers and release Nnamdi Kanu,” he said.
Gov. Soludo said it was time for the Igbo to reflect on their past and chart a new path, stressing that they have a significant stake in the Nigerian project. “We must begin the search for a new Igbo land. The time has come for us to have an honest conversation and collaboration with both regional and international blocs about our future.”
The governor while commending Ohanaeze Ndigbo for designating September 29 as a day to honour those who lost their lives in the pursuit of nationhood described the remembrance as “a solemn and necessary step towards healing and reflection.”
The governor also warned against agitation for conflict, saying those who witnessed war would never wish it upon the people again.
“For those craving for war, it is because they never saw one and do not know what it looks like. Those who truly saw war will never pray for such to befall Igbo land, Nigeria, or any nation,” he noted.
He called on Ohanaeze to take a stronger stance against insecurity in the south-east while leading a moral rebirth anchored on Igbo values such as integrity, hard work and enterprise, “We need the cleansing of Igbo land to revive and promote our value system. Ohanaeze must rise up and lead this moral transformation,” he added.
The governor, however, condemned “criminals,” who in the name of fighting for igbos emancipation, live in the bush, and from there, kidnap and torment their brothers and sisters in Igboland; stressing that such is not what Igbo people are known for.
In the meantime, the Chairman of Anambra State traditional rulers council, and Paramount ruler of Obosi ancient kingdom in idemili North Local government area, Igwe Chudubem Iweka, has again conferred a Chieftaincy title of “Oku Ne Nye Ife Ndigbo” on Anambra State Governor, Charles soludo on behalf of other monarchs in Anambra State, The title, if translated, means “He that Brings the Light.”
The Monarch who conferred the title on Mr. Governor during the 2025 world Igbo day celebration on 29 September in Awka organised by the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide with the theme “Onye Aghana Nwaneya” said the governor deserve it due to his tremendous developmental transformation in his administration in the state, according to the Monarch, “Anambra has been Home for All until it later became “Light of the Nation.” He emphasized that the state started shining brighter as true light of the nation when Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo became governor. This, he said, necessitated the title bestowed on him,
“He came in with light, and the light begin to shine in Anambra State, Anambra State used to be in dark but today I can boldly say that the state has seen the light and this light must continue to shine until we decide we don’t need it anymore” the Monarch hinted.
In an exclusive interview with the National Secretary of the Association of past president general, Anambra State (APPAS)
Dr. Sir. Amali, Anthony-Mary Chukwudozie (Ozo Gidigbamgidigbam Nando) Former PG Nando Community said Mazi Nnamdi Kanu did nothing wrong in agitation against the marginalization of the Igbos in Nigeria compared to others that were detained and later released. “I don’t understand why his own case has become different. I’ve asked this question several times, If our father who is Mr. President would listen to our calls and release him, Igbo people will be happy. Release of Nnamdi Kanu will bring relief to the Igbo nation and Nigeria in general; and cases of insecurity associated with his continued detention will also die down.” He said:
In the same development, the deputy president general of Association of past president general (APPAS) 179 communities of Anambra State, Nze Ezeomenyilioha Basil Osuokwu, advised that Igbo people should learn from the theme of the 2025 World Igbo Day celebration which is “Leave No One Behind,” or “Be Your Brothers’ Keeper.”
The deputy P.G who expressed worry that apart from the persecution suffered by Igbo people in the hands of Nigerians, the same Igbo people came back and started killing themselves by way of armed robbery, kidnapping, and living in the bush to disturb people. “That is not the way of life of Igbo people,” he said, igbos are known for their love for one another, their resilience and entreprenural spirit. Igbo don’t make their money through false means.”
He also asked Igbo traditional rulers to verify people’s sources of livelihood before bestowing titles on them to avoid giving chieftaincy titles to criminals.
NEWS1 year ago
MUSIC4 years ago
MUSIC4 years ago
MUSIC2 years ago