Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has revealed that former President Goodluck Jonathan has agreed to engage President Bola Tinubu on the continued detention of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
Sowore made this known on Friday after meeting with Jonathan in Abuja, where both men reportedly discussed the lingering case of the separatist leader who has been in custody since 2021.
According to Sowore, the conversation focused on the urgent need for the Federal Government to resolve Kanu’s case in a fair and decisive manner, in the interest of national peace and reconciliation.
He disclosed that Jonathan recognised the importance of addressing the issue justly and assured him of his intention to meet President Tinubu soon to discuss the matter.
Sowore noted that with this development, the former president has joined a growing number of Nigerian leaders calling for Kanu’s release. Others who have made similar appeals include former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), and former Kaduna Central senator, Shehu Sani, among others.
Reiterating his call for justice, Sowore said Kanu’s continued detention reflects the unresolved issues of marginalisation and political exclusion that have long plagued parts of the country.
He urged influential political, cultural, and religious figures such as Peter Obi, Chukwuma Soludo, Alex Otti, Francis Nwifuru, Peter Mbah, Hope Uzodinma, Oby Ezekwesili, and Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s John Mbata to join in advocating for Kanu’s release.
Kanu was re-arrested abroad and extradited to Nigeria in 2021 to face charges bordering on terrorism and treasonable felony. Despite multiple court rulings ordering his release, the Federal Government has yet to comply.
