A United States–based advocacy and policy research group, Ikenga Think-Tank North America, has called on Nigerians to lend their support to the ongoing peaceful demonstrations championed by human rights activist Omoyele Sowore for the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
The group made the appeal in a communiqué titled ‘The People’s Communiqué for Justice and Liberation’, signed by its coordinator, Dr. Dankwu Aghambu, and made available to journalists on Saturday.
The statement urged Nigerians across all regions to remain peaceful, united, and law-abiding while demanding the enforcement of court rulings relating to Kanu’s case.
Dr. Aghambu said the organization’s appeal was motivated by the growing concern over what it described as the prolonged denial of justice and the shrinking space for civic expression in Nigeria.
He urged citizens to engage in nonviolent action to demand Kanu’s unconditional release, emphasizing that the movement’s objectives were rooted in peace, unity, and human rights.
“This statement is issued in defense of truth, freedom, and the immediate release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,” Dr. Aghambu said.
“We are not enemies of the state; we are the soul of the nation. We do not seek confrontation; we demand justice and fairness under the law,” the statement added.
THE WHISTLER reports that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since 2021, following his re-arrest and repatriation to Nigeria.
He faces multiple charges, including those bordering on alleged treasonable felony. In October 2022, the Court of Appeal in Abuja discharged and acquitted Kanu of the charges, ruling that his extraordinary rendition from Kenya to Nigeria was unlawful and violated both local and international legal standards.
The Federal Government later obtained a stay of execution of that judgment at the Supreme Court, allowing Kanu’s continued detention while the case proceeded.
His legal team has since continued to push for his unconditional release, citing health concerns and court orders affirming his rights.
Dr. Aghambu said the Ikenga Think-Tank’s call aligns with principles of the rule of law, emphasizing that Kanu’s continued detention despite judicial pronouncements raises fundamental questions about constitutional compliance.
“The courts remain the temples of justice, and their decisions must be respected for democracy to thrive,” the communiqué read.
“We urge the government to honor judicial rulings and demonstrate leadership through lawful and transparent engagement,” the group stated.
He added that the organization supports nonviolent civic action as a legitimate tool in a democracy and encouraged citizens to participate only in lawful, peaceful demonstrations.
“Let this movement be peaceful but determined, disciplined but focused,” Dr. Aghambu said. “Oppression knows no tribe, and justice must not be selective,” he urged.
The Ikenga Think-Tank also appealed to Nigerians of all ethnic and religious backgrounds to unite behind the values of fairness, equity, and good governance.
“We must remember that our collective progress depends on our ability to protect the rights of every citizen,” the group stated.
According to the group, “The call for Nnamdi Kanu’s release is not just about one individual; it is about respect for due process and the sanctity of the law.”
Dr. Aghambu praised Omoyele Sowore and other civic leaders for what he called their commitment to lawful advocacy, describing their actions as consistent with democratic norms.
“We commend citizens who continue to express themselves peacefully, within the limits of the law,” he said.
He pointed out, “The Constitution guarantees freedom of expression and assembly, and these rights must be protected.”
The communiqué further urged the Federal Government to adopt dialogue and reconciliation as tools for addressing underlying grievances, particularly those related to political representation, equity, and justice.
“We believe that constructive dialogue, not confrontation, remains the path to lasting peace and unity,” Dr. Aghambu noted.
“The government must engage stakeholders in good faith and uphold constitutional provisions that guarantee equality before the law,” the group said.
He reiterated the group’s call for the immediate and unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, in accordance with the Court of Appeal’s judgment, and for renewed efforts toward healing national divisions.
“Freedom for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, justice for all indigenous peoples, and unity for Nigeria. Let peace and law guide every step toward a just and stable nation,” the group stressed.
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