Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has expressed his willingness to engage with President Bola Tinubu promptly regarding the detention and ongoing trial of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the banned Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB).
This development was revealed by activist Omoyele Sowore following his meeting with Jonathan in Abuja on Friday.
Sharing updates on social media, Sowore highlighted that Jonathan acknowledged the pressing need to resolve the Kanu case with fairness and urgency.
Jonathan’s stance places him among a growing coalition of Nigerians advocating for justice in this matter, joining figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, Senator Shehu Sani, and numerous others from diverse political and regional backgrounds.
Sowore stated: “Today in Abuja, I had a discussion with former President Goodluck Jonathan concerning the ongoing detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
“President Jonathan concurred that addressing this issue swiftly and justly is imperative. I sincerely appreciate his recognition of the need to resolve Kanu’s case to promote peace, equity, and national reconciliation. He also assured me of his intention to meet with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu soon to deliberate on this matter.
“With this commitment, former President Jonathan joins a broadening group of Nigerians calling for justice in the case of Nnamdi Kanu, including ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Femi Falana SAN, Senator Shehu Sani, among others cutting across political and regional lines.
“Mazi Nnamdi Kanu remains imprisoned because he courageously challenged the persistent issue of marginalization in Nigeria. Similar to other activists from various ethnic and regional groups whose politically charged cases have been dismissed or withdrawn, Kanu deserves immediate release without further delay.
“I renew my appeal to all political, cultural, ethnic, and religious leaders nationwide to support this just cause. I especially call on prominent figures from the South East such as Mr. Peter Obi, Charles Chukwuma Soludo, Alex C. Otti, Francis Nwifuru, Peter Mbah, Hope Uzodinma, Obiageli Ezekwesili, John Mbata of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, and all Nigerians of conscience to raise their voices for justice and liberty.
“Nnamdi Kanu must be freed.
I remain steadfast in my commitment to peacefully advocate for justice and freedom in this critical issue.”