As Nigeria celebrates its Independence Day anniversary, the National President of the Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC), Comrade Igboayaka O. Igboayaka, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to initiate a pathway toward national healing and reconciliation by releasing the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
In a press statement issued on October 1, 2026, Comrade Igboayaka emphasized that Independence Day should serve as more than a commemoration of past heroes. He noted that the anniversary challenges contemporary leaders to actively uphold the values of justice, liberty, dialogue, and reconciliation.
The OYC leader highlighted that the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu remains a deeply sensitive and polarizing issue, particularly within the South-East region. He urged the federal government to look beyond strict judicial boundaries and engage in a political conversation aimed at defusing regional tensions and rebuilding trust.
Kanu has been held by authorities following his legal challenges and a November 2025 conviction. According to Comrade Igboayaka, the IPOB leader's ongoing incarceration represents an "open wound" for the Ndigbo people. He appealed directly to President Tinubu to demonstrate statesmanship by exploring lawful political solutions to secure Kanu's release.
“We cannot speak about freedom, independence, and the sacrifices of our past heroes while ignoring the divisions and grievances that continue to affect our people today,” Igboayaka stated.
“Independence should remind us of the value of liberty and the responsibility of government to build trust among its citizens.”
The OYC clarified that its appeal is not a rejection of the judicial process, but rather a diplomatic call for political dialogue. The council noted that President Tinubu has a unique opportunity to cement national healing as a core legacy of his administration by engaging key regional stakeholders.
Reflecting on broader historical grievances, Comrade Igboayaka stated that Nigeria requires a renewed commitment to equity and justice, which he argued has been lacking for the South-East since 1970. He concluded with a stern warning to those opposing a peaceful resolution, stating that individuals who conspire against regional leaders "have murdered sleep and they will sleep no more."
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