Oluwo Appeals To Tinubu For Presidential Pardon For Nnamdi Kanu

The Paramount Ruler of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to grant the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, a presidential pardon in the interest of national unity and reconciliation.

The Oluwo, who also sympathised with the Igbo people over the losses suffered during the Nigerian Civil War, said granting Kanu amnesty would be an important step towards addressing lingering grievances and fully reintegrating the Igbo into the national discourse.

Oba Akanbi described the psychological effects of war as a serious issue that should not be ignored, likening Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) suffered by victims of conflicts to a “time bomb” when affected persons are not properly reintegrated into society.

He noted that many soldiers who participated in wars could also suffer from PTSD, adding that Kanu might equally be experiencing psychological trauma as a result of his incarceration and the circumstances surrounding his agitation.

The traditional ruler commended President Tinubu for what he described as an inclusive administration that has shown no discrimination based on tribe, saying a presidential pardon for Kanu would further strengthen the President’s image as a detribalised leader.

According to him, the grievances arising from the Civil War remain a difficult wound to heal, stressing that deliberate efforts must be made to address the historical pain and frustrations associated with the conflict.

In a statement made available to journalists through his Press Secretary, Alli Ibraheem, 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 Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.”

Oba Akanbi suggested the establishment of a panel to examine ways of promoting healing and reconciliation among the Igbo people, stressing that “the healing of the Igbos is a healing to Nigeria as a nation.”

He said the presidential pardon should be viewed as an honour to the Igbo people rather than a favour to an individual, urging the President to consider Kanu’s identity and the broader national interest in taking the decision.

“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 a counsellor to his tribesmen who are toeing the line of violence,” he said.

The Oluwo clarified that his appeal was not a call for protest or confrontation, but a plea to the President to take what he described as a historic step towards healing old wounds and strengthening national unity.

He said, “There must be love for one another in this country. Nigeria is divided along tribal attachment because of past experiences. We must stop nursing old wounds. The time is ripe to heal the wound,” expressing optimism that Kanu’s release could further cement the unity and togetherness of Nigeria.