Taiwo Popoola
A group of Igbo leaders has condemned the continued detention of the Igbo freedom fighter, Nnamdi Kanu at a time the Nigerian government is embracing the deadly Boko Haram terrorists back into society under the guise of repentance and amnesty.
The group particularly took a swipe at the federal government for allegedly handing large sums of money to bandits in an attempt to appease them, a tactic, the group said, will ultimately undermine the government’s authority and security.
In a statement on Monday, the group demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Kanu by the federal government from his unjust and unfair four-year incarceration for seeking self-determination for himself and the Igbo people.
The grouse of the people is that if the federal government could bend backwards to accommodate the Boko Haram terrorists back into society despite taking arms against the innocent citizens, the same gesture must be accorded Kanu, who never waged war against the country.
The statement was signed by Ben Nwankwo and Evans Nwankwo, Executive Directors, Ambassador for Self-Determination USA. AVID President, Sylvester Onyia and Rising Sun Group, Maxwell Dede and Father Odimegwa,
The statement partly reads, “In an unprecedented display of hypocrisy, Nigeria’s federal government has embraced a strategy of rehabilitating and reintegrating Boko Haram members back into society.
“Meanwhile, the same government resorts to handing large sums of money to bandits in a misguided attempt to appease them—a tactic that ultimately undermines its own authority and security.
“In stark contrast, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, a courageous freedom fighter advocating for self-determination, remains unjustly incarcerated for standing up for his rights and those of his people.
“The world must not turn a blind eye to this egregious injustice. Mazi Kanu’s continued imprisonment is fueling a global storm of outrage that demands immediate attention.
“The recent indictment of the Kenyan government by the global community for its role in the illegal abduction of Mazi Kanu on Kenyan soil is commendable, but it must be noted that this is merely the first step toward justice.
“We call for the identification and accountability of all Nigerian and Kenyan operatives involved in this crime.
“Until justice is served, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu must be released immediately and unconditionally.
“Our collective voice will not be silenced. We stand firmly for justice, dignity, and the right to self-determination for all”.
