As Nigeria marks Democracy Day, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo socio-cultural organization has called on the 2023 presidential candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi of the Labour Party, to halt their pursuit of cases at the tribunal and support President Bola Tinubu.
The Secretary-General of Ohanaeze, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, implored Atiku and Obi to lend their ideas and support to Tinubu for the sake of Nigerian nationalism and patriotism. In his words, “The money that Atiku and Peter Obi are using to pursue their cases at the tribunal, we beg the two Nigerian patriots to support Tinubu because the war has ended. They should bring ideas to ensure that Nigerians don’t experience serious hardship.”
Isiguzoro also urged Tinubu to ensure that his appointments reflect federal character, where every region of the country is fairly represented. He further pleaded with the President to consider appointing individuals from the Southeastern region into key positions.
The Ohanaeze Secretary-General also called on Tinubu to release Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), in continuation of his pursuit of national unity. He said, “What we are yearning for is that Tinubu should listen to the appeal of Enugu State governor and release Nnamdi Kanu and put an end to the Monday sit-at-home.”
While the appeal by the Ohanaeze Ndigbo may appear well-intentioned, it is important to reiterate that every Nigerian has the constitutional right to pursue legal action through the judicial arm of the government. Consequently, it falls on Atiku and Obi to decide whether or not to honour the plea by Ohanaeze and support Tinubu.
