In a poignant plea reminiscent of historic struggles for justice, youths from Ibeku, home of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, likened his plight to that of Nelson Mandela, emphasizing Kanu's commitment to truth and equity. They condemned his prolonged detention despite multiple court orders for release, attributing it to heightened tension in the South East.
Addressing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Ibeku youths underscored Kanu's advocacy for fairness for the Igbo and Eastern Nigeria, portraying him not as a terrorist but as a voice against systemic injustice. They urged Tinubu to heed widespread calls for Kanu's freedom, referencing the recent releases of Sunday Igboho and Omoyele Sowore on similar charges.
The communique from the Ibeku Youths Association lamented the government's response to Kanu's peaceful activism, highlighting past atrocities against Igbo youths during crackdowns on pro-Biafra demonstrations. They called for political leaders to prioritize justice over politicization of Kanu's ordeal and urged Ohanaeze Ndigbo to caution against divisive rhetoric.
In a separate letter to the President, the Ibeku youths expressed deep sorrow over Kanu's continued incarceration despite court rulings for his release. They emphasized Kanu's aspiration for inclusivity and justice, citing his persecution by previous administrations and the global attention drawn to his case.
Kanu, held in solitary confinement at the DSS headquarters since 2021, has become a symbol of resistance against marginalization in Nigeria's Eastern region. Despite international outcry and demands for his release, the federal government has upheld his detention, fueling unrest and economic hardship in the area.
Pressure mounts on President Tinubu from various quarters, including 50 lawmakers and former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who recently convened with South East leaders to seek Kanu's freedom. The calls for justice echo across political divides, emphasizing Kanu's pivotal role in Nigeria's quest for unity amidst diversity.
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