In order to solidify his legacy as a freedom fighter for democracy, Festus Okere, Chairman of the World Igbo Congress, or WIC, has urged President Bola Tinubu to free Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, or IPOB.
According to Okere, Tinubu would give the Igbos a sense of inclusion by releasing Kanu.
He made the call in a statement he released after giving his speech at the WIC Congress in Boston, Massachusetts. Your Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, World Igbo Congress, the Organization of and for all Igbos in Diaspora, once again joins the rest of the world in urging you to free our son, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,” Okere stated.
He has been declared innocent and unlawfully renditioned by both domestic and foreign courts. You have a well-known history of fighting for democracy and freedom. For the Igbos, releasing Mazi Nnamdi Kanu would solidify that history. Please, HE Sir, release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, just as you have freed other non-Igbos in similar circumstances.
Tribes must perish if Nigeria is to endure. Fairness, justice, and equity ought to win out. Let everyone feel truly included and let there be true peace throughout the nation.
Okere went on to say that the convention’s theme was a clear call that was very difficult to ignore.
This is more than just a cock’s cry. It is history’s call. It is more than just a sound that signals the start of the day. It is a call to awareness; it is a cultural code that is ingrained in our DNA. Wake up, it’s daybreak.
And in response, I urge all Umu Igbo, both at home and abroad: Awaken! There is not much time left.
Our ideal, generational leaders and politicians, such as Sir Francis Ibiam, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, Dr. Sam Mbakwe, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Dr. M.I. Okpara, General Emeka Ojukwu, and General Phillip Effiong, did not bow down to political behaviorism. He said, “Our generation should not and will not lose the story and history of who we are, including our identity, history, culture, and values.”
According to Billy Gram, N.A., Okere observed that “the chains could not hold the Igbos: Not then; not now; and never will be” in both the ancient and modern eras. We must not erase our journey, even if it is interrupted.
“Those who distance themselves from our heritage in any way, including through forced name changes, are dishonorably separating themselves from our ancestors.”
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