Some Igbo groups have agreed to come together to campaign for the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, just as they accused the federal government of being indisposed towards dialogue for his release.
They stated that they would no longer remain silent while Kanu continues to languish in detention, about 30 months since he was arrested and detained.
In a statement made available to The Guardian in Enugu, the group, which goes by the name Rising Sun Foundation, alongside other conscientious and freedom-loving citizens of the Igbo nation and beyond, stated that the position of the federal government regarding Kanu was in contrast to the treatment other political detainees received from the government.
They stated: “As he marks 30 months of unjust incarceration, it is imperative that we amplify our voices against this blatant violation of his rights, especially in light of several court orders demanding his unconditional release.
“The Nigerian government, under President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, has recently shown signs of a potential shift toward dialogue regarding Kanu’s release. This is a notable contrast to the treatment of other political detainees such as Chief Sunday Igboho of the Yoruba Nation, Omoyele Sowore of the Revolution Now movement, and even Bello Bodejo, the leader of the controversial Miyetti Allah Kyautal Hore. These figures have been released and their legal cases dismissed, raising serious questions about the selective application of justice in Nigeria.”
They added that Kanu remains the “sole political prisoner among them,” describing it as “a situation that is not only perplexing but also indicative of deeper systemic issues within the Nigerian political landscape.”
They added: “The reluctance of our own political leaders—particularly the governors and those aligned with Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo—to advocate for Kanu’s freedom is deeply troubling. Their actions reflect a disheartening trend of prioritizing personal political ambitions over the collective welfare of the Igbo people. In public, they may call for his release, yet behind closed doors, they engage in negotiations that ensure his continued imprisonment. This duplicitous behaviour encapsulates the phrase ‘maramara n-ihu, gwampiti n’azu,’ highlighting their tendency to play both sides for their gain.”
Those who signed the statement, including Chief Maxwell Dede Emole, Dr. Remy Okea, Evans Nwankwo, and Benjamin Nwankwo, advocated for more cooperation to get Kanu off the hook.
“As we reflect on the last 30 months, we must recognize that time is of the essence. The world is transforming at a rapid pace, driven by technological advancements in the Internet and Artificial Intelligence, and we must not allow our people to be left behind. Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s detention is not merely a personal tragedy; it represents a broader struggle for the Igbo nation’s identity and future. He has become a symbol of resistance against the marginalization and oppression that we, as a people, have faced for decades.
“As long as Mazi Nnamdi Kanu remains imprisoned, the entire Igbo nation is held captive. This reality cannot persist indefinitely. The call for his release is not just a plea for one man’s freedom; it is a rallying cry for the liberation of our entire people from systemic oppression and neglect. We must pray for Kanu’s health and safety, for the consequences of his continued detention could be dire for our collective future.
“The Igbo people are inherently peaceful and progressive. Yet, the hostile environment created by the Nigerian state has compelled us into a struggle for survival. It is a time that demands unity, the setting aside of selfish interests for the greater good of our community. This is not merely a matter of belief; it is an urgent reality that calls for collective action and sacrifice. Our quest for freedom resonates with the historical struggles faced by other oppressed groups around the world. Just as it took immense sacrifices for African Americans to secure their civil rights and for South Africans to dismantle the Apartheid regime, we, too, must be prepared to fight for our liberation—whether within the Nigerian state or as a self-determined entity,” they stated.
They said that the Igbo must insist that the Nigerian authorities adhere to the directives of the United Nations Human Rights Council, respect the rulings of courts, and respond to the moral imperatives of justice by releasing Mazi Nnamdi Kanu without delay.
“The time is ticking, and we are sitting on a powder keg of potential unrest. The urgency of our situation calls for immediate action, as the fuse is growing shorter by the day,” they warned.