Reversing Order? Jubilation In IPOB’s Camp As American Millitary Veterans Of Igbo Take Fresh Decision On Nnamdi Kanu’s Release
The American Military Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID) has made a heartfelt plea to the recently elected UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, to take action concerning the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), by the Nigerian government. This call to action was articulated in a congratulatory letter dated July 19, 2024, which AVID sent to Prime Minister Starmer, following his election victory on July 5, 2024.
AVID is a not- for- profit organization that comprises U. S. citizens of Igbo ancestry who have served or are currently serving in various branches of the United States Armed Forces. The organization is deeply concerned about the plight of Nnamdi Kanu, a British citizen, who has been held in detention by Nigeria’ s Department of State Services (DSS) since 2021. Kanu was apprehended after he called for a referendum to create the nation of Biafra, a region in southeastern Nigeria with a significant Igbo population, separate from the current Nigerian state.
In their letter, AVID President Dr. Sylvester Onyia and Secretary Dr. Godson Obiagwu outlined several key issues surrounding Kanu’ s detention. They pointed out that Kanu was subjected to an illegal extraordinary rendition from Nairobi, Kenya, to Nigeria, which contravenes international law and human rights standards. Since his detention, Kanu has been isolated and reportedly denied adequate healthcare, a situation that has led to a deterioration in his health condition. This concern was previously raised by his special counsel, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor.
AVID emphasized that their support for Kanu stems from a broader commitment to democratic processes and human rights. They underscored that Kanu’ s call for a referendum was a legitimate political act, not a call for war or violence. AVID’ s stance is that advocating for a referendum is an exercise in democracy and should not be criminalized or met with such severe reprisals.
AVID’ s call to action is a significant plea from a group of veterans who have dedicated their lives to upholding democratic values. They view the detention of Nnamdi Kanu as a direct affront to these values and believe that international intervention, particularly from a figure like Prime Minister Starmer, could be pivotal in resolving this issue. By appealing to the UK, they are leveraging the historical and political ties between the UK and Nigeria, as well as Kanu’ s status as a British citizen, to seek justice.
In summary, AVID’ s letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer is a poignant appeal for justice and human rights. It reflects a deep concern for Nnamdi Kanu’ s well- being and calls for urgent international intervention to rectify an ongoing injustice, emphasizing the need for democratic principles to be upheld in Nigeria.