Omoyele Sowore, a well-known human rights advocate and former presidential hopeful, has urged influential political and traditional figures from the South-East to take concrete steps toward securing the freedom of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
In a statement shared on his official social media accounts on Wednesday, Sowore expressed his willingness to spearhead a peaceful and lawful demonstration to the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja. He called on South-East governors, legislators, traditional rulers, and religious leaders to move beyond mere words and demonstrate genuine dedication to Kanu’s release.
“I am prepared to put aside any political differences for this singular cause,” Sowore declared.
“I challenge every politician and conscientious individual from the South-East who advocates for Nnamdi Kanu’s freedom to stop the talk and take action. The moment to act is NOW. Let us march together to Aso Rock.”
He specifically mentioned key figures such as Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, urging them to participate in person.
“Enough with the empty promises,” Sowore emphasized. “Governor Soludo (@CCSoludo), Senator Abaribe (@SenatorAbaribe), Alex Otti (@alexottiofr), Peter Obi (@PeterObi), and all others who claim to care must step forward and join us physically.”
Sowore assured that the march would be conducted peacefully, within the bounds of the law, with the primary goal of demanding justice and an end to what he described as the ongoing “harassment” of the IPOB leader.
“We will proceed together in a peaceful, lawful, and visible manner to call for justice and an end to MNK’s persecution. #FreeNnamdiKanuNow,” he added.
In response to Sowore’s invitation, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, who serves as Kanu’s Special Counsel, confirmed his readiness to join the peaceful protest.
“Dear Sowore, I am stepping forward to march with you to Aso Rock to ‘peacefully and visibly demand justice’ for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. Who else is with me? Ndigbo, let’s unite!” Ejimakor posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Reports indicate that Nnamdi Kanu has been held by the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 2021, following his arrest and extradition from Kenya under contentious circumstances.
He faces several serious charges, including terrorism, treasonable felony, and incitement, brought by the Federal Government before the Federal High Court in Abuja. Kanu has consistently denied all allegations.
