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.”

June 12: Lagos Speaker Praises President Tinubu’s Achievements, Calls for Civic Engagement

As Nigeria marks Democracy Day, June 12, Rt. Hon. Dr. Mudashiru Obasa, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, has urged citizens to actively engage in the democratic process while appraising the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Dave Agboola, Obasa lauded the commendable leadership of President Tinubu, emphasising the significant strides made under his administration, which he said have fostered hope and transformation across the nation.

He further commended Tinubu’s dedication to improving security, driving economic development, and empowering communities. “This day reminds us of our collective journey toward a more just and equitable society,” Obasa stated while reflecting on the importance of June 12 as a symbol of resilience in the face of challenges.

The Speaker urged the people of Lagos to keep the hope of democracy alive and recognise their pivotal role in shaping the future of their communities. “Democracy has come to stay in Nigeria, and every one of us plays a vital role in its success. Your voice matters, your vote matters,” he added.

With local government elections imminent in the state, Obasa passionately appealed for the support of all APC candidates, highlighting that voting for these representatives is an investment in the continued progress of Lagos State. “Together, we can ensure effective governance that delivers on the promises of democracy,” he asserted.

He emphasised the importance of unity and active participation in strengthening the democratic process.

In his closing remarks, Obasa appealed to Lagosians to remain supportive of the current administration, assuring them that efforts are continually underway to deliver the dividends of democracy to every citizen.

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.