Igbo leaders including monarchs, clerics, and political elites have unanimously endorsed tomorrow’s free Nnamdi Kanu protest led by activist Omoyele Sowore. The demonstration aims to pressure the Federal Government to comply with court orders demanding the release of the detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Sowore, a former presidential candidate, described the protest as a “mass action for justice, peace, and the rule of law,” emphasizing that the issue transcends Kanu’s freedom to challenge selective justice and uphold court rulings in Nigeria.
A national cause
Despite mixed public opinions, prominent Igbo figures told Vanguard that Kanu’s release has become a national cause. They linked the ongoing insecurity in the South-East region to his continued detention and called on President Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and restore peace.
Former Senate President Senator Adolphus Wabara expressed full support for the rally, regretting his inability to attend due to medical treatment abroad. Similarly, former Education and Health Minister Professor Ihechukwu Madubuike called the protest a national movement against injustice, not just an ethnic rally.
“Freedom knows no tribal boundaries,” Madubuike said, praising the protesters’ courage and urging government compliance.
Traditional and religious support
Abia State’s traditional rulers also backed the protest. Chairman of the Abia Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Eze Linus Nto Mbah, stressed it is time for Kanu’s release to restore peace in the South-East. He appealed for a peaceful demonstration and urged security forces to protect protesters from provocateurs.
Archbishop Raphael Opoko of Umuahia Diocese described the protest as a pan-Nigerian movement and called for non-violence from both protesters and security agencies. He criticized the government for negotiating with armed bandits while detaining Kanu, whom he described as a freedom fighter.
“Those who make peaceful change difficult, make violent change inevitable,” Archbishop Opoko warned, urging protesters to abide by peaceful protest rules.
Women and youth rally support
The Igbo Women Assembly (IWA) pledged strong backing for the protest. National President Lolo Nneka Chimezie confirmed women from across Nigeria would join peacefully and called on security operatives to avoid violence.
Chief Chekwas Okorie, APGA Board of Trustees Chairman, called the protest a “just and courageous” step reflecting widespread Igbo frustration. He condemned Kanu’s rendition from Kenya as unlawful and the government’s failure to act despite court rulings in Kanu’s favor.
Chief Goddy Uwazurike, former President of Aka Ikenga, supported any effort to secure Kanu’s freedom, while Ohanaeze Youth Council President Comrade Igboayaka Igboayaka described the protest as Nigeria’s first pan-ethnic call for justice and urged President Tinubu to withdraw charges against Kanu to avoid further national division.
Opposition from northern groups
The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) strongly condemned the protest, describing it as reckless and provocative. CNG’s National Coordinator, Comrade Jamilu Charanchi, called on the courts to decide Kanu’s fate without emotional pressure, citing Kanu’s alleged crimes and the resultant regional instability.
Similarly, the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) advised youths against participation, referencing a court injunction and a US Embassy security advisory warning of potential risks.
Kanu has been in custody since June 2021, facing charges of terrorism and treasonable felony. Despite multiple court rulings in his favor, his detention continues to spark national debate.
