Ex-Senate President Backs Sowore’s Free Nnamdi Kanu Protest
Former Senate President, Senator Adolphus Wabara, has written to activist Omoyele Sowore, expressing full support for the planned nationwide peaceful protest demanding the unconditional release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
The solidarity march, scheduled for October 20, continues to gain backing from prominent individuals and groups, including the World Igbo Congress (WIC), which has urged all Igbos across the globe to join the protest.
In a personally signed letter to Sowore, Wabara said he supports every peaceful effort aimed at promoting justice and national reconciliation. He noted that although he is currently abroad for medical treatment and cannot physically participate, he stands firmly in solidarity with the movement.
“I have been informed about the planned protest on the 20th of October calling for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. I commend your efforts and those of others who continue to speak up for justice and fairness in our country. Unfortunately, I am out of the country and will not be able to join you physically on that day,” Wabara stated.
“However, please know that I am with you in spirit and in full support of every peaceful effort aimed at securing justice and national reconciliation. I wish you and all participants a peaceful and successful outing,” he added.
In a separate statement, the World Igbo Congress described the campaign for Kanu’s release as a demand for justice, not a tribal plea.
“The chains on Nnamdi Kanu are not just chains on one man – they are chains on freedom, on justice, and on truth itself,” the group said in a joint statement signed by its Chairman, Dr Festus Okere, and Secretary General, Sir Chris Ogara.
WIC argued that Kanu’s continued detention since his 2021 rendition from Kenya was unjustified, especially when “bandits and mass murderers” are being pardoned and reintegrated by the same government.
It urged all Nigerians who believe in justice, fairness, and unity to join the October 20 protest, commending Sowore for leading a cause that transcends tribal lines.
“When injustice persists for too long, it ceases to be a local problem and becomes a global one,” the statement read. “Nigeria must understand that its future cannot be built on silencing its own.”
The group also criticised the government for allegedly favouring terrorists while suppressing dissenters. “Why is it that in Nigeria, bandits and terrorists can gather openly, negotiate with the state, and get presidential pardons, yet a man who spoke with words languishes in prison?” it queried.
Citing former U.S. President Donald Trump, WIC warned that any government that fears the voice of its citizens is “ruling with fear, not strength.” It added that suppressing dissent only leads to dictatorship.
WIC further expressed disappointment with Igbo political leaders for failing to defend Kanu. “They chose comfort over courage, power over people, silence over truth. History will not forget,” the group stated.
It urged Nigerians, particularly Igbos, to remain resolute in demanding equity and justice. “No prison cell is strong enough to chain the human spirit. No silence is deep enough to bury truth. And no betrayal is final when the people rise,” WIC declared.
The group concluded by demanding an end to what it called the persecution of Kanu and marginalisation of the Igbo people.
“Release Nnamdi Kanu. Stop persecuting the Igbo people. Protect Christians from being slaughtered in their churches and communities. Show the world that Nigeria has the strength to choose freedom over fear, unity over division, justice over oppression,” WIC stated, adding that “the cry of the oppressed will always outlive the silence of their 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.
