U.S. Lawmaker Demands Immediate Release of Kanu

By Gordi Udeajah, Umuahia

Member of United States House of Representatives, Jarvis Johnson, has demanded immediate release of the Indigenous People of Biafra  (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, saying that government of Nigeria needs to comply with the United Nations (UN) mandate and orders of Nigerian courts.

Johnson also accused Nigerian government of carrying out another form of genocide on a citizen at a time, and called on American Government to get involved to stop this genocide.

Johnson, in a statement, dated January 9, which was made available to The Guardian, yesterday, by Special Counsel to Kanu, Aloy Ejimakor, stated: “We have protected other countries around the world to help vulnerable populations; we need to do the same for Nigeria and its Biafran citizens.

“Kanu is the foremost freedom fighter for rights of oppressed people in Nigeria.

“For over 19 months, after he was kidnapped in Kenya, tortured, and illegally taken to Nigeria, he has been in solitary confinement.

“In July 2022, a United Nations Working Group, after its deliberations on the matter, called for his unconditional release, and the Nigerian Government has not complied.”

He further stated that in October 2022, several Nigerian trial and appeal courts acquitted and discharged Kanu of all charges levelled against him. But, according to him, the Nigerian Government has refused to obey orders of its own courts, while Kanu remains in solitary confinement enforced by its secret police.

The statement further stated: “Kanu’s health conditions have been ignored by Nigeria’s secret police, Department of State Services (DSS). He has been denied access to his doctors, as well as regular supply of medications. His health has deteriorated, and it is now feared that he may die in solitary confinement.”

Noting that Kanu’s offence is that he is a leading advocate for freedom of oppressed Nigerians, and for referendum on the Biafran issue, Johnson said that the right of free speech, including political advocacy, is a cornerstone of all democracies.

He remarked that at a time democracy is threatened globally, it is imperative that all should join hands to protect Kanu’s right of freedom of speech.

Source: The Guardian