Kanu: Igbo Youths Plead For Presidential Pardon

By Chuks Ekpeneru

Ohanézè Ndígbo Youth Council Worldwide (OYC) has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to grant Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Leader, Nnamdi Kanu presidential pardon and allow him entry into the country to attend his parent’s burial.

The group made this demand in a statement jointly signed by the President General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro and Secretary, Okwu Nnabuike.

Kanu lost his parents last year and they are to be buried next weekend.

He has been on self-exile since 2017 when the Army invaded his Umuahia country home during operation python dance.

His father, Eze I. Ọ. Kanu was until his death the Traditional Ruler of his Afaraukwu community, Umuahia, Abia State.

The demand by the Ohaneze Youths come at a time reports of millitary presence around the community since the announcement of the late Kanus’ burial has been trending.

The statement expressed worry over reports of the continued presence of the Army in the area and called for their withdrawal.

The group said such presence of the military could further damage the image of the Buhari administration in the eyes of the international community.

They said: “Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide is worried about the military Presence at Kanu’s Village, Afaraukwu Umuahia, Abia State few days to the burial of HRM Eze I O Kanu and his wife.

“We appeal to President Muhammadu Buhari to consider the international damage it will cause to the reputation and image of Nigeria before the outside World,

“International Community are watching keenly to see if there will be any form of Human Rights violations and abuses by Nigeria’s Military before, during and after the burial rites of the Igbo Paramount Ruler and His wife by next weekend.

“OYC insists there’s no need for any provocative action promoting violence by Nigeria’s Military before, during and after the burial of HRM Eze Kanu, because Abia State is calm and secure.

“Buhari should pull out the Military and accord the last respect for the late King by granting permission and Presidential Pardon to Nnamdi Kanu to return and bury his parents according to Igbo tradition and culture”.

OYC also urged the President to attend or send a delegation to the burial of the IPOB Leader’s late parents.

“There’s nothing amiss if President Muhammadu Buhari in person or through a high power delegation attend and send condolence message to the people of Afaraukwu Umuahia on the demise of their paramount ruler, HRM Eze Kanu and his wife.

“Such Presidential gesture will portray him as a good Father of the Nation, irrespective of the self evident Ipob’s stance on self  determination and fight against injustice meted out against Igbos since after Biafra War Civil 50 years ago.

The group said such gesture will be applauded by international Community and Nigerians at home.

In addition, it will attract more respect for President Muhammadu Buhari the same way as the presidential gesture granted to Late MKO Abiola.

Such gesture according to OYC will also go a long way in giving Ndigbo a sense of belonging and restore their confidence in the Buhari administration.

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