Hot SourceA coalition of rights activists in Benue State, under the aegis of Benue Concerned Citizens, BCC, on Friday demanded the immediate release of leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu.
The Benue activists made the demand in a statement signed by Michael Oboh, Chairman, and Chief Chris Awo, Secretary. The statement is titled ‘Release Nnamdi Kanu Now – Freedom is non-negotiable. Benue stands with the nation. Our patience has run out’.
The statement is coming on the heels of similar demands by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and some other eminent Nigerians who are calling for Kanu’s release.
The IPOB leader is currently facing terrorism charges brought against him by the Nigerian government.
The statement, made available to journalists on Friday, read: “The Benue Concerned Citizens (BCC) issues a final warning to the Federal Government of Nigeria: the continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is an act of profound injustice that we will no longer tolerate.
“We are not alone. The voice of reason is growing louder across the nation. From the calls of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to the planned mass protests by citizens, the message is unified and clear: Release Nnamdi Kanu.
“The government’s own courts have pointed to the illegality of his detention. The recent courtroom charade of endless adjournments, now hinging on a medical report, is a sham and an insult to the intelligence of every Nigerian. You cannot break a man through “extraordinary rendition” and then feign concern over his health to delay justice.
“Our symbol is the palm tree. We bend, but we do not break. Our resolve is now unyielding.”
The Benue group, in calling for Kanu’s immediate and unconditional release, also demanded respect for the rule of law by the Nigerian government and its agencies, as well as an end to political persecution.
The statement added, “We hereby declare our three non-negotiable demands:
“Immediate & unconditional release: Mazi Nnamdi Kanu must be freed from the custody of the DSS immediately. Not tomorrow. Not after another adjournment. Now.
“An end to political persecution: The state-sponsored repression of voices advocating for self-determination and equity must cease. The government fights shadows of its own creation while the nation burns.
“Respect for the rule of law: Obey your own courts. Respect domestic and international law. The flagrant disregard for judicial decisions is the hallmark of a dictatorship, not a democracy.
“The Benue Concerned Citizens hereby serve notice: If Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is not released immediately, we will mobilize and join the nationwide protests en masse. We will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with every Nigerian who values justice over tyranny.
“This is not a request. It is an ultimatum. Our silence is broken. Our patience is exhausted.”
The Benue Concerned Citizens, BCC, described itself as “a grassroots movement dedicated to advocating for justice, human rights, and democratic principles for the people of Benue and Nigeria at large”.
“Our symbol, the palm tree, represents our resilience, dignity, and unwavering commitment to truth,” the group explained.
‘Release Nnamdi Kanu now, our patience has run out’ – Benue activists tell Nigerian Govt
