Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has urged his supporters to refrain from appealing for his release, claiming that his pursuit for self-determination is a constitutionally protected right rather than a criminal violation.
Kanu, speaking through his lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, highlighted that his release is the result of legal compliance with current court decisions, not a presidential pardon or clemency.
In a press statement, Ejimakor conveyed Kanu’s stance: “Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is adamant that nobody should plead or beg anybody on his behalf because he has committed no crime. Self-determination, which is the real issue that got twisted to suddenly become a high crime, is an inalienable right guaranteed under Nigerian law, the United Nations, the United Kingdom, and Kenya. The perverse and unlawful criminalization of this right should not be encouraged through misguided appeals for pardon or clemency. Releasing Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is not an act of mercy but a matter of abiding by the rule of law.”
Kanu expressed gratitude to people advocating for peace in Igboland, but cautioned that pardon requests could unwittingly legitimize executive or judicial abuses of his rights. “Instead of begging, those desiring his release should emulate the language and tact used by groups like Afenifere, Ohaneze, the World Igbo Congress (WIC), ranking members of the National Assembly, the American Military Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID), and other international bodies who have made it clear that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu deserves to be released because he has committed no offense known to law.”
Criticizing the Nigerian government’s approach to the matter, Ejimakor stated, “It is Nigeria’s executive branch, which extraordinarily renditioned Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, that should show contrition for resorting to this state crime under international and common law.”
Ejimakor reiterated that Kanu’s release is a matter of judicial compliance, stating, “The matter of releasing Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is not an act of mercy, pardon, or amnesty. It requires simple compliance with the Federal High Court judgment that declared his detention unconstitutional or adherence to international tribunal decisions that separately declared his detention unlawful. Alternatively, the Attorney-General of the Federation, under the directive of the President, can constitutionally discontinue the prosecution.”
Kanu remains hopeful for a resolution based on fairness and lawful governance, and he continues to support Igboland’s peace-building initiatives.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli
