Sowore, Atiku Using Kanu’s Case For Political Relevance – US Igbo Group
A coalition of Igbo professionals and businessmen in the United States has accused 2023 presidential candidates Omoyele Sowore and Atiku Abubakar of using the agitation for Nnamdi Kanu’s release to seek political relevance.
Operating under the banner Njiko Amaka, the group criticised the planned “Free Nnamdi Kanu Now” protest scheduled for October 20, describing it as an attempt to derail the ongoing trial of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Chief Emeka Ejidike, and Secretary, Chief Okey Anosike, Njiko Amaka said the protest could disrupt what it called “steady judicial progress” in Kanu’s case.
“We have watched with concern the activities of Sowore on the ongoing trial of our brother, Nnamdi Kanu. As if that isn’t worrying enough, Atiku Abubakar, who has never organised or joined any protest to free his violence-ravaged region, has joined Sowore,” the group said.
The coalition alleged that both men, having “lost relevance at the polls,” were now exploiting Kanu’s situation for political gain. It maintained that this was not the right time for protests that could “jeopardise the process” of justice.
Citing an Igbo proverb, Njiko Amaka added, “Ndigbo have a wise saying about a tortoise that spent years in a dung pit. On the day of his release, Mr Tortoise began to holler for his captors to quickly set him free, forgetting that he’d spent years in the pit. This aptly captures the condition we find ourselves in with our brother, Nnamdi Kanu.”
The group also questioned Sowore’s involvement, pointing to his pending criminal charges. “The question well-meaning Nigerians should ask Sowore is why his sudden interest in leading a protest for Kanu at the same time he is facing criminal charges for calling President Bola Tinubu an unprintable name?” the statement queried.
It faulted Atiku’s support for the protest, accusing him of “selective advocacy.” According to the group, “Atiku is from the North. So is Mohammed Usman, also known as Khalid al-Barnawi, who masterminded the 2011 UN building bombing and has been in detention since 2016. Why Atiku left out al-Barnawi and jumped on Kanu’s case is best known to him. Only evil motives drive a man to cry more than the bereaved.”
Njiko Amaka urged Nigerians to “see through the self-serving antics” of the politicians, warning that their actions could undermine peace efforts. “We advise all well-meaning Nigerians to avoid them like a plague,” it said.
The group noted that there were already credible political efforts to secure Kanu’s release, citing assurances from Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah.
“We are happy that Ndigbo are not in short supply of worthy torchbearers who can plead the cause of Ndigbo. We have five governors, 15 senators, and scores of Representatives. Even today, Governor Peter Mbah assured that a political solution was being worked out on Kanu. We do not want fifth columnists to scuttle this,” the statement added.
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