*Seeks declaration of October 20 as National Freedom Day
By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja
A group, the NigeriaFIRST Foundation, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the IPOB Leader, who is currently in detention.
The group has similarly called on the President to declare October 20, which is the anniversary of the EndSARS protest, as National Freedom Day.
The NigeriaFIRST Foundation, otherwise known as JusticeNOW INTERNATIONAL movement, made the appeals in a statement on Monday by its Speaker and International Coordinator, Comrade Vik-Morrow Okon Ulo in Abuja.
The release of Nnamdi Kanu, the group said, should not be viewed through a political lens, but as an indispensable step toward profound national reconciliation and healing.
According to the NigerianFIRST Foundation, “On this significant anniversary, we reaffirm our commitment to justice by echoing the widespread call for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the Leader of IPOB.
“His release, now, five years after the EndSARS protest, should not be viewed through a political lens, but as an indispensable step toward profound national reconciliation and healing.
” It is an opportunity to decisively address the deep sectional wounds and the prevailing sense of injustice that threaten the fragile unity of our republic”,
Comrade Vik-Morrow Ulo said in the statement.
Continuing, the group said, “Mr. President, by history, you stand as a pillar and symbol of the struggles for a better Nigeria, having paid your own price for democracy.
“It is this history that gives us the profound trust that you will seize this unique moment. The declaration of NATIONAL FREEDOM DAY and the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu will not merely be great initiatives; they will become essential cornerstones of your enduring legacy—a legacy defined by courage, compassion, and the pursuit of a unified, peaceful Nigeria.
“We must not die before we live in peace. We appeal to your courage to grant these prayers.
“May God bless Nigeria and may Your Excellency succeed in the Nigeria Project, Amen”, the statement concluded.
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