Nigeria at 66: Tinubu should embrace national healing, reconciliation by releasing Nnamdi Kanu – Comrade Igboayaka
As Nigeria marks another Independence Day, Comrade Igboayaka O. Igboayaka, National President of the Ohanaeze Youth Council on 1st Oct, 2026, has called on President Bola Tinubu to consider a pathway toward national healing and reconciliation in addressing the continued incarceration of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu
According to Comrade Igboayaka, Independence Day should not only remind Nigerians of the sacrifices of those who fought for freedom and nationhood; it should also challenge the present generation of leaders to uphold the values of justice, liberty, dialogue and reconciliation.
He argues that the continued controversy surrounding Kanu’s case remains a deeply sensitive issue, particularly in the South-East, and deserves a political and national conversation aimed at reducing tensions and rebuilding trust.
Kanu was illegally arrested, incarcerated and convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment in November 2025, and his legal challenges remain before the courts.
Against this background, Comrade Igboayaka stated that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu ordeal remain an open wounds to Ndigbo and he appeal to President Bola Tinubu to demonstrate statesmanship by exploring every lawful political solution available to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu which geared to national reconciliation.
“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. Independence should remind us of the value of liberty and the responsibility of government to build trust among its citizens.”
The call is therefore not presented as a rejection of the judicial process, but as an appeal for dialogue, reconciliation and a political solution to an issue that has remained a source of deep concern in the South-East.
President Tinubu has an opportunity, according to Comrade Igboayaka, to make national healing part of the legacy of his administration by engaging stakeholders and exploring a peaceful path that can help rebuild confidence between the federal government and Ndigbo that feel alienated from the national project.
Nigeria needs a renewed commitment to justice and equity which they have deprived Ndigbo since 1970.
“Those who enjoy Nigeria independence, but conspired against Nnamdi Kanu a leader of Indigenous people of Biafra have murdered sleep and they will sleep no more” Comrade Igboayaka O Igboayaka stated.
