As Nigerians commemorated Democracy Day on June 12, 2025, a respected traditional ruler in the South East, His Royal Majesty Eze-Igwe Williams Ezugwu, Eze Ogbozarra III of Opi Ancient Kingdom, Igwe Ibagwa Opi, The Eze Ka Eze I of Ideke Land, Nsukka, has described the occasion as a “missed opportunity for national healing” — urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to demonstrate statesmanship by granting the immediate release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The monarch, a former Secretary General of the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) and former Board of Trustees member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), emphasized the symbolic power of Democracy Day — a date etched in Nigeria’s collective memory for the unity, justice, and democratic aspirations that marked the 1993 presidential election.
“June 12 is not just a day of speeches and parades. It is a day that symbolizes our yearning for freedom, justice, and inclusion. Releasing Kanu, whether through a presidential pardon or constitutional discretion by the Attorney-General, would have sent a resounding message of unity to the South East,” he said.
While commending President Tinubu for upholding judicial independence in the ongoing trial of Kanu, Eze-Igwe Ezugwu highlighted the accelerated pace of legal proceedings following the removal of the former trial judge. However, he insisted that beyond legalities, the political and emotional healing of the nation remains paramount.
“Our people do not feel like part of the Nigerian project. They feel unheard, excluded, and targeted. Releasing Kanu would have empowered leaders of thought in the South East and undercut the influence of criminals hiding under the guise of agitation,” he added.
The monarch lamented the economic and social toll of insecurity in the region, pointing to closed businesses, declining human capital, and growing youth radicalization as symptoms of an unresolved national question. He warned that conflating genuine political grievances with criminality had only deepened mistrust between the South East and the federal government.
“I do not support violence in any form, but the failure to distinguish between legitimate agitation and criminal infiltration has led us down a dangerous path,” the traditional ruler said. “We have seen this pattern before. The IPOB was largely non-violent until state crackdowns escalated tensions.”
He drew parallels with previous amnesty initiatives granted to Niger Delta militants and Ogoni leaders, arguing that a similar approach toward Kanu and other genuine political agitators would foster peace and restore confidence in Nigeria’s unity project.
“The Federal Government granted amnesty to agitators in the Niger Delta. Why is the South East different? Peace in our region is peace for Nigeria. A bleeding South East means a weakening Nigeria.”
Despite his disappointment over the missed opportunity on June 12, Eze-Igwe Ezugwu maintained that it is not too late for the President to act. He urged Tinubu to embrace the principles that defined the June 12 struggle and apply them toward inclusive governance and reconciliation.
“Let the spirit of June 12 guide policy, not just speeches. Let it inspire decisions that restore hope and unity. Nigeria is at a crossroads, and we must choose the path that leads to healing.”
Concluding his address, the monarch reaffirmed his belief in the Nigerian project but insisted that equity and justice are the bedrock of a stable nation. “Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Long live the South East region. Long live our quest for peace, equity, and justice.”