IPOB: Release Nnamdi kanu Now- Okonkwo

Kenneth Okonkwo, a spokesman for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has thrown his support behind the ongoing protest, across the country calling for the immediate release of the Indigenous people of Biafra, IPOB strongman, Nnamdi Kanu.

Okonkwo who spoke on Monday on Channels Television Sunrise Daily stated that the secessionist leader’s trial has dragged for too long, that he should be released without further delay.

A human rights activist and Online newspaper Sahara Reporters Publisher, Omoyele Sowore is leading the protest, which began on Monday, for the unconditional release of the IPOB leader.

Not a few Nigerians including Abubakar, the 2023 Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate have pulled their weight behind the protesters, saying the IPOB leader, who is standing trial for treason and terrorism related charges have been detained for too long in government  custody.

According to Okonkwo, the federal government should ensure that Kanu is released immediately, noting however that his trial should be carried out “judiciously and humanly” if the government still decides to prosecute him for the alleged crime.

He advised that political solutions should be applied to Kanu’s case in the interest of peace and national reconciliation, describing the ongoing protest as a legitimate one for the cause of justice.

Responding to the question that the protest could turn violent, the public affairs analyst said the police and other security agencies in the country  should provide protection for protesters to ensure that it doesn’t turn violent.

Speaking on why he backed the demonstrators calling for Kanu’s release recently, Abubakar said the IPOB leader has become a prisoner of conscience considering that he has been kept out of the system for too long, describing his detention as an abuse of power by the federal government.

“The continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu remains an open sore on our nation’s conscience and a stain on our belief in the rule of law.

“Defying court orders that granted him bail is an abuse of power and an assault on justice.

“I, therefore, lend my voice in full support of the campaign led by @YeleSowore for his immediate release or due prosecution.

“We fail as patriots if we allow Kanu’s case to fester as yet another wound this nation refuses to heal. –AA,” Abubakar said last week ahead the protest.

Also, the 2023 Presidential Candidate while announcing his support for the protest calling for Knau’s release, said his arrest and detention were wrong, urging the federal government to dialogue with Kanu and other agitators in the country for peace to reign..

Obi said, “I’ve always been consistent on Nnamdi Kanu’s situation. There was no need for his arrest in the first place.

. “And I’ve always said that for me, I will consult, negotiate, and discuss with anybody who is agitating. I said it clearly and I remain there.

“I thank those who are actually trying to do or say what we’ve been saying for a long time. Go and check what I’ve said before 2020, 2022, and even 2024. Now that it has gone to court, the rules should be followed—not just for Nnamdi Kanu, but for all agitators across the nation.

“There’s nothing wrong with anybody agitating or saying let’s have a dialogue with them. And whatever we do with them, let’s follow the rules. So, I thank the organisers and those who are involved.”