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From Magnus Eze, Enugu
A coalition of Igbo groups in the United States of America, the Rising Sun Foundation, has called on politicians, religious and traditional leaders and other critical stakeholders in the South East to present a united front in the bid to secure the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
In its statement alongside other conscientious and freedom-loving groups including Ambassadors for Self-Determination, to mark Kanu’s 30th month in the Department of State services (DSS) detention, the group said they can no longer remain silent while the self-determination activist languished in custody.
“As he marks 30 months of unjust incarceration, it is imperative that we amplify our voices against this blatant violation of his rights, especially in light of several court orders demanding his unconditional release,” the group said in the statement by Chief Maxwell Dede Emole and Dr. Remy Okea (Rising Sun Foundation) as well as Evans Nwankwo and Benjamin Nwankwo.
It further said that Kanu’s travail was not a personal tragedy, but instead, it represented a broader struggle for the Igbo nation’s identity and future, adding that “he has become a symbol of resistance against the marginalization and oppression that we, as a people, have faced for decades.”
The group expressed joy that the Nigerian government under President Bola Tinubu, had shown signs of its potential shift toward dialogue regarding Kanu’s release. This is a notable contrast to the treatment of other political detainees such as Chief Sunday Igboho of the Yoruba Nation, Omoyele Sowore of the Revolution Now Movement, and even Bello Bodejo, the leader of the controversial Miyetti Allah Kyautal Hore. These figures have been released and their legal cases dismissed, raising serious questions about the selective application of justice in Nigeria.
They said: “Mazi Nnamdi Kanu remains the sole political prisoner among them, a situation that is not only perplexing but also indicative of deeper systemic issues within the Nigerian political landscape.”
“We urge all members of our community-masses, politicians, governors, lawmakers, traditional rulers, and leaders of thought, especially within Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo—to unite in this crucial moment. We must confront the challenges we face with solidarity and resilience. Together, we can overcome any adversary and achieve the heights of recognition and autonomy that we rightfully deserve.
“Our message is clear: we must insist that the Nigerian authorities adhere to the directives of the United Nations Human Rights Council, respect the rulings of our courts, and respond to the moral imperatives of justice by releasing Mazi Nnamdi Kanu without delay. The time is ticking, and we are sitting on a powder keg of potential unrest. The urgency of our situation calls for immediate action, as the fuse is growing shorter by the day.
“We are confident that if we can close ranks and present a united front, we will see Mazi Nnamdi Kanu back among us, heralding a new era for the Igbo people—a time marked by freedom, dignity, and progress.”
