Former President Goodluck Jonathan has agreed that there is an urgent need for a decisive and just resolution to the prolonged incarceration of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
This commitment followed a meeting in Abuja earlier today between Jonathan and activist-publisher Omoyele Sowore, who is mobilizing for Kanu’s release.
Sowore in a statement posted on his social media pages on Friday stated that the former President promised to meet with President Bola Tinubu as soon as possible to discuss the matter.
READ ALSO: Sowore sets October 20 for peaceful protest to demand release of Nnamdi Kanu
“President Jonathan agreed that there is an urgent and compelling need to address this matter decisively and justly,” Sowore said.
He thanked Jonathan for recognising the importance of resolving Kanu’s case in the interest of peace, fairness, and national healing.
With this development, Jonathan joins a growing list of prominent Nigerians advocating for Kanu’s freedom including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, human rights lawyer Femi Falana, and former Senator Shehu Sani, among others who cut across political and regional lines.
Sowore reiterated the view that Kanu’s detention is linked to his confrontation of the “long-standing issue of marginalization in Nigeria.”
He argued that Kanu should be released without further delay, citing the withdrawal or dismissal of other politically motivated cases involving ethnic and regional activists.
He extended a direct appeal to political, cultural, ethnic, and religious leaders across the nation to support the cause.
READ ALSO: SERAP, Amnesty urge Tinubu to drop charges against Sowore, X, Facebook
He called upon key figures from the South East, including Peter Obi, Governors Charles Soludo, Alex Otti, Francis Nwifuru, Peter Mbah, and Hope Uzodinma, along with Obiageli Ezekwesili and John Mbata of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, to lend their voices to the call for justice and freedom for Kanu.
Sowore reaffirmed his firm commitment to “peacefully mobilizing for justice and freedom” in the case under the banner of the hashtag #FreeNnamdiKanuNow.
