This post has already been read at least 11112 times!

As Nigeria marked Democracy Day on June 12, a prominent South East traditional ruler, His Royal Majesty Eze-Igwe Williams Ezugwu, has delivered a powerful call for national unity and reconciliation, lamenting what he described as a “missed opportunity” by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to heal the country through the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

HRM Eze-Igwe Ezugwu, the Eze Ogbozarra III of Opi Ancient Kingdom, Igwe Ibagwa Opi, and Eze Ka Eze I of Ideke Land in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, issued the statement from his palace on Sunday, June 15, expressing deep disappointment that the symbolism of June 12 was not leveraged to bridge national divides, particularly the wounds felt in the South East.

“As Nigeria marked the 2025 edition of her national Democracy Day on June 12,” the monarch stated, “I reflect with a heavy heart on what many Nigerians – especially the people of the South East – consider a missed opportunity for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to write his name in gold and shift the tides of national healing.”

He emphasized that the continued incarceration of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu remains “a deep wound in the soul of the South East, and by extension, Nigeria,” describing the situation as one that has festered far too long, deepening regional disillusionment and alienation.

While commending President Tinubu for refraining from overt interference in the judiciary and allowing what appears to be an expedited hearing since the reassignment of the case from a previously controversial judge, Eze-Igwe Ezugwu insisted that democracy requires more than legal formalism. He believes it calls for courageous, moral decisions that foster justice and inclusion.

“I must say that June 12 presented a historic window for President Tinubu to act as a statesman and a unifying leader,” he said. “It was on June 12, 1993, that Nigerians, regardless of ethnicity or religion, spoke with one voice in an election adjudged as the freest and fairest in our history. The symbolism of that day is rooted in freedom, justice, national cohesion, and democratic hope.”

According to the monarch, those very principles demanded the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu — not as a sign of weakness, but as an act of courageous statesmanship aimed at national reconciliation.

“These are the very principles that called for the unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu – not as an act of weakness but as a step of uncommon strength toward reconciliation, justice, and genuine nation-building,” he declared.

From his vantage point as a traditional ruler embedded in the daily life of his people, Eze-Igwe Ezugwu offered a sobering account of the current sentiment in the region.

“Our people do not feel like part of the Nigerian project. They feel unheard, excluded, and targeted. Releasing Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, even through the lawful discretion of the Attorney-General of the Federation as provided for in Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), or through a presidential pardon under Section 175, would have sent a clear message to the people of the South East that ‘You are not alone. You are not forgotten.’”

He said such a gesture would have signaled openness to renewed dialogue, empowered responsible voices in the region, and stymied the growing radicalization of South East youth by criminal elements who exploit the unresolved case for their own ends.

“It would have been a loud olive branch, an act of statesmanship that would re-open dialogue, empower leaders of thought and conscience in the region, and put an end to the recruitment of our vulnerable youths by criminal elements hiding under the guise of freedom fighters,” he warned. “Today, many young people in the South East are being misled and radicalized due to the perceived injustice surrounding Kanu’s detention and trial. This must not continue.”

Tracing the origins of IPOB’s activism to a time well before the rise of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2015, the monarch argued that what began as peaceful advocacy was radicalized in response to state repression and a refusal to engage legitimate grievances.

“The IPOB as a sociopolitical pressure group had existed long before the electoral victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2015. They operated largely without violence, drawing attention to perceived injustices and marginalization,” he explained. “The escalation that we now see is the direct result of aggressive crackdowns and indiscriminate labeling of agitators as terrorists – actions that pushed legitimate concerns underground and into the arms of violent opportunists.”

The monarch emphasized that his call should not be misconstrued as an endorsement of violence, making it clear that peace and nonviolence remain core to his advocacy.

“Let me be clear that I do not in any way or means support violence or the destruction of lives and property under any guise. However, we cannot ignore the root causes of unrest in the region. We must not conflate the legitimate agitations of a people with the actions of criminal infiltrators.”

Eze-Igwe Ezugwu urged the Federal Government to consider extending amnesty and reconciliation to Kanu and other non-violent political agitators, drawing a parallel with similar moves in the past towards militants in the Niger Delta and Ogoni leaders.

“By releasing Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and granting unconditional amnesty to all genuine political agitators – just as was done for the Niger Delta militants and some Ogoni leaders on June 12, 2025 – the Federal Government would not only have reset the national mood but would have empowered true leaders in the region to take back control of the narrative from anarchists and criminals.”

Reflecting on the broader consequences of the unrest in the South East, the monarch painted a grim picture of a region in decline due to insecurity and instability.

“The South East has never asked for too much – just fairness, equity, and inclusion. Peace in the region is a prerequisite for progress, not only for the people but for the Nigerian nation as a whole. A bleeding South East means a weakening Nigeria. From Onitsha to Aba, Nsukka to Enugu, businesses are closing, economic activities are shrinking, and human capital is being wasted due to insecurity and instability.”

Despite his dismay, Eze-Igwe Ezugwu remains hopeful that President Tinubu can still rise to the occasion. He concluded his statement with an appeal to conscience and leadership.

“It is not too late. The spirit of June 12 should not be reduced to mere ceremonial speeches and celebrations. Let it guide policy decisions that can change lives and restore hope. As a monarch, I call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to revisit this matter with the urgency and seriousness it deserves. Nigeria is at a crossroads. Let us take the road that leads to healing.”

In his final words, the monarch reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to a united and equitable Nigeria.

“Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Long live the South East region. Long live our quest for peace, equity, and justice.”

As the national conversation around unity, inclusion, and security continues, HRM Eze-Igwe Williams Ezugwu’s statement underscores a growing call for bold, empathetic leadership — one capable of turning symbolic anniversaries like June 12 into moments of lasting transformation. Whether the Presidency will heed that call remains to be seen.

This post has already been read at least 11112 times!