Oluwo calls on Tinubu to release of IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu
By Omolade Adegbuyi
A traditional ruler in Osun State, Yorubaland has called for the release of detained leader of Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, [IPOB] Nnamdi Kanu.
In a press statement, the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba AbdulRasheed Akanbi asked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to grant Kanu Presidential amnesty.
Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi pleaded with President Tinubu to grant leader of Biafra Nation agitators, Mr Nnamdi Kanu presidential amnesty
He said the gesture will deepen national cohesion.
A statement made available Irohinoodua signed by his media aide Ibrahim Alli said Kanu’s case is related to the consequences of the civil war that led to the death of many Igbo.
He linked the situation to Post Trauma Stress Disorder, PTSD adding that millions of Igbo lost their lives during the war.
Oluwo commended President Tinubu for running an inclusive administration.
He argued that granting amnesty to Kanu will deepen national discourse and promote Tinubu as a detribalized President.
Oluwo said “The post war frustration being nursed by Igbos cannot be easily healed. While I commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reintegration process as unprecedented, I call for further historical steps such as granting a presidential amnesty to the incarcerated leader of the Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.
He urged the President to set up a panel to address the healing of the Igbos.
“The healing of the Igbos is a healing to Nigeria as a nation. Till date, the Igbos has animosity against the Yorubas because of Awolowo’s role in the civil war.”
He said Post Trauma Stress Disorder (PTSD). PTSD is a very dangerous disorder everywhere wars have ravaged. The imprisoned Kanu may also be suffering from PTSD. About 3million Igbos died in the civil war. Some of them still see their nation as their own enemy. Many Igbos are still bittered because one of their leaders is rotting in prison.
“There are many cases of PTSD amongs the Iranians, Afghanistans, Americans and Iraqis. Many of those who suffered the war were still suffering from PTSD till date. I acknowledged the magnitude of Kanu’s excess that warranted his imprisonment. I appeal to the president to consider the identity of his tribe not an individual,” the Oluwo said.
He spoke further that “Nnamdi Kanu only needs to be cautioned and counselled before he can be released because of his temperament. I am hopeful he will turn a new leaf and be counsellor to his tribe-men toeing the line of violence.
“I am not calling people for protest but making an holistic appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to honour the tribe by releassing Nnamdi Kanu. I express hope that the step, if respected, will further cement the unity and unison of Nigeria as a united nation. There must be love for one another in this country.
