Another Trouble! Fearless Igbo Women Shock Nigerians, Stage Massive Protest Against Tinubu’s Government, Demand Nnamdi Kanu’s Release
In a bold and peaceful demonstration, women from Isiama Afara Ukwu in Abia State have taken to the streets to protest the ongoing detention of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Kanu has been held by the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 2021, following his controversial extradition from Kenya on charges of terrorism and treasonable felony.
Armed with portraits of Kanu and chanting protest songs, the women demanded his immediate release. Their peaceful march highlights the deep- rooted concern within Kanu’ s home community regarding his prolonged detention. They believe that his continued incarceration is not only unjust but also detrimental to the peace and security of the South- East region of Nigeria.
The call for Kanu’ s release is not limited to his community. The South- East Governors Forum has announced plans to meet with President Bola Tinubu to negotiate Kanu’ s release. This move signifies a broader recognition among regional leaders of the potential benefits of freeing the IPOB leader. They argue that his release could help differentiate genuine political agitators from criminals and kidnappers who exploit the current unrest to further their unlawful activities.
Support for Kanu’ s release has also come from the Labour Party (LP) caucus in the South- East Houses of Assembly. These lawmakers have echoed the sentiments of the protesting women, urging the President to use his constitutional powers to end Kanu’ s detention. They specifically referenced Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution and Section 107(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, which provide the legal framework for the President to intervene in criminal matters in the interest of public order and justice.
The lawmakers believe that releasing Kanu would significantly contribute to restoring peace in the South- East. According to them, Kanu’ s prolonged detention has inadvertently emboldened criminal elements who pose as agitators. These criminals have taken advantage of the situation to carry out unlawful activities, thereby exacerbating the region’ s insecurity. By releasing Kanu, they argue, the government can undermine the influence of these criminal elements and pave the way for genuine dialogue and reconciliation.
Nnamdi Kanu’ s case has been a flashpoint in Nigerian politics since his arrest. The IPOB leader is a prominent figure advocating for the independence of Biafra, a movement with deep historical roots dating back to Nigeria’ s civil war in the late 1960s. His supporters view him as a champion of their right to self- determination, while the Nigerian government considers his activities a threat to national unity and security.
The international community has also shown interest in Kanu’ s plight, with various human rights organizations calling for his fair treatment and due process. His arrest and detention have raised questions about the Nigerian government’ s adherence to international law, particularly concerning the circumstances of his extradition from Kenya, which some have described as an extraordinary rendition.
The protest by the women of Isiama Afara Ukwu is a poignant reminder of the personal and communal impacts of political conflicts. Their peaceful demonstration underscores a desire for a resolution that respects human rights and fosters peace. As the South- East Governors Forum and the Labour Party lawmakers continue their advocacy, the spotlight remains on President Bola Tinubu and his administration’ s next steps in addressing this contentious issue.
In conclusion, the release of Nnamdi Kanu could serve as a critical step towards de- escalating tensions in the South- East, promoting peace, and addressing the root causes of the region’ s insecurity. The voices calling for his release— from local communities to regional leaders and lawmakers— highlight the widespread desire for a peaceful and just resolution to this ongoing conflict.
