Sowore Engages Speaker Abass, Kalu, To Push For Nnamdi Kanu’s Release
Human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, has disclosed that he reached out to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, and his deputy, Benjamin Kalu, to push for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Sowore, who made this known in a post on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Sunday, said the move was part of ongoing efforts to secure Kanu’s freedom ahead of the planned #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest scheduled for October 20.
He revealed that he urged both presiding officers to take a formal stand by convening an emergency plenary session to pass a resolution demanding that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu order Kanu’s immediate release.
“The Speaker stated that because the matter is still in court, he would not officially table it before the House,” Sowore wrote.
“However, he assured me that he would meet privately with some members, especially Obi Aguocha, who represents Nnamdi Kanu’s constituency, to explore a political resolution. He also mentioned that he had previously made underground interventions with the DSS (Department of State Services) on the matter.”
According to him, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu confirmed that discussions were ongoing between the presidency and some lawmakers over Kanu’s release but admitted that “the judicial process has been frustratingly slow.”
“I took this to mean that a majority of them are using the court trial as an alibi,” Sowore added.
The activist also stated that members of the Abia State House of Assembly were yet to confirm their participation in the October 20 protest.
Meanwhile, the Igbo Women Assembly (IWA) has declared full support for the planned nationwide demonstration.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the National President of IWA, Lolo Nneka Chimezie, described the protest as “a step in the right direction for justice and national conscience.”
Chimezie said the group had resolved to mobilise women from all parts of Igboland and beyond, stressing that Kanu’s continued detention remained “a stain on Nigeria’s justice system and a wound on the conscience of the nation.”
She described Kanu as “a freedom fighter and justice advocate who is being persecuted for speaking out against the oppression of his people and exposing the hidden agenda of the oppressors.”
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
