The Youth wing of the apex Igbo socio-political group, under the aegis of Ohaneze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide(OYC) has urged President Mohammadu Buhari to grant Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of Indegnous People Of Biafra(IPOB) a presudential pardon so as to enable him attend the burial of his parents.
Recall that Kanu after escaping during the ambush in his house by soldiers of the Operation Python Dance, has remained in self exile overseas.
His parents died last year allegedly as a result of the trauma of the invasion of their house by Nigerian soldiers.
In a joint statement by the president of the group, Okechukwu Isiguzoro and Secretary, Okwu Nnabuike
President General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro and Secretary, Okwu Nnabuike made the recommendation in a joint statement said the presence of soldiers is capable of damaging the image of president Buhari administration before the international community.
According to them: “Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide is worried about the military Presence at Kanu’s Village, Afaraukwu Umuahia, Abia State few days to the burial of HRM Eze I O Kanu and his wife.
“We appeal to President Muhammadu Buhari to consider the international damage it will cause to the reputation and image of Nigeria to the outside World, as int’l Community are watching keenly to see if there will be any form of Human Rights violations and Abuses by Nigeria’s Military before, during and after the burial rites of the Igbo Paramount Ruler and His wife by next weekend.
“OYC insists there’s no need for any provocative action promoting violence by Nigeria’s Military before, during and after the burial of HRM Eze Kanu, because Abia State is calm and secure.
“Buhari should pull out the Military and accord the last respect for the late King by granting permission and Presidential Pardon to Nnamdi Kanu to return and bury his parents according to Igbo tradition and culture”.