IGBO HEROES FOUNDATION’S NATIONAL COORDINATOR, PRINCE CHINEDU NSOFOR, CALLS ON PRESIDENT BOLA TINUBU TO RELEASE NNAMDI KANU AS DEMOCRACY DAY GIFT TO NDIGBO

 

 

BY JOSEPH MONDAY

 

 

As Nigeria celebrates yet another Democracy Day, we at the Igbo Heroes Foundation reflect on the journey so far with deep concern and patriotic hope. “Democracy, by its very definition, thrives on the principles of freedom, justice, equity, and the rule of law,” said Prince Chinedu Nsofor(KPAKPANDO NDIGBO), National Coordinator of the Igbo Heroes Foundation. “It is a system built on the voice of the people and the protection of their rights. As Nigerians across the federation mark this important day, we must remind ourselves of the ideals we claim to uphold. True democracy must be inclusive and must respond to the cries of the marginalized and the silenced.”

 

 

 

In this light, Nsofor called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government of Nigeria to use this year’s Democracy Day as an opportunity to demonstrate true statesmanship and national healing by releasing Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). “The best gift the Federal Government can give to the Igbo nation on this Democracy Day is the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu,” Nsofor said. “His prolonged detention, despite various legal pronouncements in his favor, continues to hurt the soul of the Igbo people and stain the fabric of our national unity.”

 

Nsofor further noted that it is worth recalling that the United Nations Human Rights Council Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, in its 2022 opinion, called for the immediate and unconditional release of Mazi Kanu and compensation for his arbitrary detention. “Furthermore, the Court of Appeal of Nigeria, in October 2022, discharged and acquitted him of all charges, citing that his extraordinary rendition from Kenya was unlawful and in violation of international law,” he added. “These rulings should not be ignored in a country that claims to respect the rule of law. Democracy without respect for judicial decisions is no democracy at all.”

 

“We urge the Federal Government to heed these calls and take bold, reconciliatory steps that foster unity, peace, and healing,” Nsofor concluded. “The release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu will not only pacify the aggrieved hearts in the Southeast but also send a strong message to all Nigerians and the international community that this government values justice, equity, and the sanctity of the democratic process. As we mark Democracy Day, may our leaders choose peace over pride, justice over oppression, and unity over

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division.”

By Prince Adeyemi Aseperi- Shonibare

“The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Happy Democracy Day, Nigerians. 🇳🇬🇳🇬

Today, we remember. We salute. We celebrate.
Exactly 32 years ago, on June 12, 1993, a free, fair, and peaceful election was held—an election Nigerians agreed was the freest in our history. Conducted through Option A4, a simple but transparent method of queuing behind your candidate, it produced a clear winner: Bashorun MKO Abiola.

There was no rain, no violence, and no doubt. The people spoke. But Nigeria’s self-styled “Maradona” chose to cancel that election. After years of organizing maradonic gubernatorial, legislative, and presidential elections and banning “old and those he called corrupt politicians,” General Ibrahim Babangida betrayed the nation’s will and dismantled all democratic structures. The betrayal birthed a tragedy—and a movement.

MKO Abiola, the man of the people, the symbol of hope, confronted the military. He would later pay the ultimate price for democracy—with his life.

In those dark days, many died on the streets of Ikorodu Road, and across Nigeria. Journalists were silenced, activists hounded, and democracy went into exile. Among those who ran for their lives was Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, now President, who fled through the NADECO underground to London where he became a pillar of the resistance.

“The future of Nigeria depends on the sacrifices we make today.” — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

It was a season f blood and steel. Yet, from those ashes arose voices of courage and dignity: Gani Fawehinmi, Kudirat Abiola, Alfred Rewane, Beko Ransome-Kuti, Femi Falana, Anthony Enahoro, Abraham Adesanya, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, Bola Ige, Ken Saro-Wiwa, and many more, some known, many unknown, whose stories are written in blood and fire.

Today, President Tinubu rightly honors these heroes, including journalists like Kunle Ajibade, Dapo Olorunyomi, Bayo Onanuga, and Nosa Igiebor, who risked it all to keep truth alive. He also honors brave activists like Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (GCFR), Prof. Wole Soyinka (GCON), and Ken Saro-Wiwa (CON)—symbols of resistance whose legacies are immortal.

“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” — Nelson Mandela

Positive Changes Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Though the road remains long, Nigeria is finally making structural, painful, and necessary changes:

1. Fuel subsidy removal — Ending a multi-trillion-naira black hole.

2. Unification of exchange rates — Removing arbitrage and corruption.

3. Empowerment of Local Production — Encouraging Made-in-Nigeria.

4. Judicial and Constitutional Reforms — Advocating for local government autonomy.

5. Welfare and Safety Nets — With bold initiatives for direct intervention.

6. Digital Economy and Fintech Growth — Creating jobs and global reach.

7. Recognition of Historical Truths — June 12 declared Democracy Day.

Yet, we still have many rivers to cross. To truly reach the Promise Land, reforms must deepen:

Urgent Areas Needing Change:

True local Government Autonomy: Real power must return to the grassroots.

State Policing: Security must begin at home.

Judicial Independence: Speedy, fair, and firm justice.

Education Reform: From certificates to skills.

Infrastructure Drive: Roads, rails, and reliable electricity.

Youths and Women Inclusion: Not as tokens, but partners in leadership.

Food security across the country for all citizens.

A Tribute to the Heroes of Our Democracy

“The life of the nation is secure only while the nation is honest, truthful, and virtuous.” — Obafemi Awolowo

Known and Unknown Heroes (Honored or Not)

Bashorun MKO Abiola (GCFR)

Kudirat Abiola

Frank Kokori

Prof. Wole Soyinka (GCON)

Gani Fawehinmi

Anthony Enahoro

Pa Reuben Fasoranti (CFR)

Beko Ransome-Kuti

Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Ken Saro-Wiwa (CON)

Alfred Rewane

Ayo Opadokun

Senator Abraham Adesanya

Chief Bola Ige (CFR)

Prof. Humphrey Nwosu (CON)

Femi Falana, SAN (CON)

Dapo Olorunyomi (OON)

Kunle Ajibade (OON)

Bayo Onanuga (CON)

Chief Akabashorun

Prof. Olatunji Dare

Mobolaji Akinyemi (CFR)

Mama Bisoye Tejuosho

Alhaja Suliat Adedeji

Dr. Kayode Fayemi

Aare Dele Momodu

The PM News, TheNews & Tempo Crews
(BKO, Babafemi Ojudu, Dapo Olorunniola, Seye Kehide etc.)

All unknown soldiers of democracy — Activists, mothers, students, journalists, clergy, and civil society workers who refused to bow.

To Our Villains: Not Forgotten, but Forgiven.

Let their names fade into the dark corners of history—a lesson that power without conscience is a curse.

And So We March On…

From the days of draconian decrees and midnight arrests to the sunlight of ballots and open discourse, Nigeria has come far. But we must never forget

“The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.” — Barack Obama

We are still writing this story.
Let our children read in future that we fought, we endured, and we prevailed.

Happy Democracy Day, Nigeria🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬

JUNE 12 :
SALUTE TO DEMOCRACY AND ITS HEROES

By Prince Adeyemi Aseperi- Shonibare
June 12, 2025

“The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Happy Democracy Day, Nigerians. 🇳🇬🇳🇬

Today, we remember. We salute. We celebrate.
Exactly 32 years ago, on June 12, 1993, a free, fair, and peaceful election was held—an election Nigerians agreed was the freest in our history. Conducted through Option A4, a simple but transparent method of queuing behind your candidate, it produced a clear winner: Bashorun MKO Abiola.

There was no rain, no violence, and no doubt. The people spoke. But Nigeria’s self-styled “Maradona” chose to cancel that election. After years of organizing maradonic gubernatorial, legislative, and presidential elections and banning “old and those he called corrupt politicians,” General Ibrahim Babangida betrayed the nation’s will and dismantled all democratic structures. The betrayal birthed a tragedy—and a movement.

MKO Abiola, the man of the people, the symbol of hope, confronted the military. He would later pay the ultimate price for democracy—with his life.

In those dark days, many died on the streets of Ikorodu Road, and across Nigeria. Journalists were silenced, activists hounded, and democracy went into exile. Among those who ran for their lives was Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, now President, who fled through the NADECO underground to London where he became a pillar of the resistance.

“The future of Nigeria depends on the sacrifices we make today.” — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

It was a season f blood and steel. Yet, from those ashes arose voices of courage and dignity: Gani Fawehinmi, Kudirat Abiola, Alfred Rewane, Beko Ransome-Kuti, Femi Falana, Anthony Enahoro, Abraham Adesanya, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, Bola Ige, Ken Saro-Wiwa, and many more, some known, many unknown, whose stories are written in blood and fire.

Today, President Tinubu rightly honors these heroes, including journalists like Kunle Ajibade, Dapo Olorunyomi, Bayo Onanuga, and Nosa Igiebor, who risked it all to keep truth alive. He also honors brave activists like Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (GCFR), Prof. Wole Soyinka (GCON), and Ken Saro-Wiwa (CON)—symbols of resistance whose legacies are immortal.

“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” — Nelson Mandela

Positive Changes Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Though the road remains long, Nigeria is finally making structural, painful, and necessary changes:

1. Fuel subsidy removal — Ending a multi-trillion-naira black hole.

2. Unification of exchange rates — Removing arbitrage and corruption.

3. Empowerment of Local Production — Encouraging Made-in-Nigeria.

4. Judicial and Constitutional Reforms — Advocating for local government autonomy.

5. Welfare and Safety Nets — With bold initiatives for direct intervention.

6. Digital Economy and Fintech Growth — Creating jobs and global reach.

7. Recognition of Historical Truths — June 12 declared Democracy Day.

Yet, we still have many rivers to cross. To truly reach the Promise Land, reforms must deepen:

Urgent Areas Needing Change:

True local Government Autonomy: Real power must return to the grassroots.

State Policing: Security must begin at home.

Judicial Independence: Speedy, fair, and firm justice.

Education Reform: From certificates to skills.

Infrastructure Drive: Roads, rails, and reliable electricity.

Youths and Women Inclusion: Not as tokens, but partners in leadership.

Food security across the country for all citizens.

A Tribute to the Heroes of Our Democracy

“The life of the nation is secure only while the nation is honest, truthful, and virtuous.” — Obafemi Awolowo

Known and Unknown Heroes (Honored or Not)

Bashorun MKO Abiola (GCFR)

Kudirat Abiola

Frank Kokori

Prof. Wole Soyinka (GCON)

Gani Fawehinmi

Anthony Enahoro

Pa Reuben Fasoranti (CFR)

Beko Ransome-Kuti

Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Ken Saro-Wiwa (CON)

Alfred Rewane

Ayo Opadokun

Senator Abraham Adesanya

Chief Bola Ige (CFR)

Prof. Humphrey Nwosu (CON)

Femi Falana, SAN (CON)

Dapo Olorunyomi (OON)

Kunle Ajibade (OON)

Bayo Onanuga (CON)

Chief Akabashorun

Prof. Olatunji Dare

Mobolaji Akinyemi (CFR)

Mama Bisoye Tejuosho

Alhaja Suliat Adedeji

Dr. Kayode Fayemi

Aare Dele Momodu

The PM News, TheNews & Tempo Crews
(BKO, Babafemi Ojudu, Dapo Olorunniola, Seye Kehide etc.)

All unknown soldiers of democracy — Activists, mothers, students, journalists, clergy, and civil society workers who refused to bow.

To Our Villains: Not Forgotten, but Forgiven.

Let their names fade into the dark corners of history—a lesson that power without conscience is a curse.

And So We March On…

From the days of draconian decrees and midnight arrests to the sunlight of ballots and open discourse, Nigeria has come far. But we must never forget

“The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.” — Barack Obama

We are still writing this story.
Let our children read in future that we fought, we endured, and we prevailed.

Happy Democracy Day, Nigerians.
🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬

Let us honor the past, correct the present, and shape a future worthy of our sacrifices.

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
God bless our heroes.
Long live democracy..

Let us honor the past, correct the present, and shape a future worthy of our sacrifices.

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
God bless our heroes.
Long live democracy.
🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬

Oshodi Local Government: When Leadership was Fused Humanity

 

 

According to Steve Job, one of the founders of the Apple franchise “Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower”. This simply means the number of lives touched positively by your decision will eventually be the yardstick with which you are rated. What this means is that it will be right to address the current Chairman of Oshodi Local government, Otunba Kehinde Almaroof Oloyede popularly known as Kendu as an exemplary leader to the people just because he gave leadership a human face.

 

 

Coming at period many sees Local Government administration as only salary paying and at rare times drainage clearing arm of government, Otunba Oloyede has given his people a reason to to see the importance of the third tier of government unlike it used to be with the many people friendly projects his government has executed and is still executing in his just first four (4) years, thereby increasing their expectations for his next four years.

 

 

 

Kendu as the Chairman of Oshodi Local government is fondly called has shone brightly and his imposing track record in human development projects and empowerment across the local government and has attracted applause from the people and hatred from few who are used to the old way of administration.

 

 

 

Hon Oloyede’s innovative project to improve the lives of the people and alleviate the hardship in his community through the establishment of a monthly stipend driven scheme called the non-pensionable salary for aged, widows, vulnerable and some people tagged the decent boys (these are young men who could not learn any craft early in life and needs to be encouraged while being exposed to learning a craft to keep employed).

 

 

 

Findings revealed that Kendu led government has at ever time more than six hundred (600), of such people being paid monthly from this laudable non-pensionable scheme, a situation which has also increased the numbers of skilled workforce of Oshodi and reduced the population of miscreants in the community.

 

 

 

It was also revealed that Hon Oloyede’s government has also been partnering with the market women association (being a child of a market leader himself), to give grants to support the business of many who are having one financial issues or the other.

 

 

 

It is therefore not a surprise when the people of Oshodi who have seen the effort of the Chairman at meeting them at their lowest and compliment them when needed, to rally support for their working son with the love of humanity and support him for another term to the chagrin of the very few who are employing various unsavoury means to splash mud on his shinny garment, through lies peddling.