- Omoyele Sowore met former President Goodluck Jonathan to discuss the detention of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu.
- Sowore said Jonathan agreed on the need for a just solution and promised to meet President Tinubu on this.
- He reiterated his call for Kanu’s release and urged other leaders to join the movement ahead of the planned #FreeNnamdiKanu march on October 20.
Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore met former President Goodluck Jonathan on Friday to discuss the continued detention of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu and seek his support for Kanu’s release.
After the meeting, Sowore said Jonathan “will not take any public position but acknowledges the need to close this chapter and encourage solutions that promote healing. He committed to meeting with Tinubu to discuss the matter.”
Sowore wrote in a Facebook post: “Earlier today, I met with former President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja to discuss the continued incarceration of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. President Jonathan agreed that there is an urgent need to resolve this issue decisively and fairly. I sincerely thank him for recognizing the importance of resolving Kanu’s case for peace, equity and national healing. What is particularly reassuring is his commitment to meet Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as soon as possible to discuss this issue.”
He added, “With this, former President Jonathan joins a growing number of Nigerians calling for justice in Nnamdi Kanu’s case, a list that already includes former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Femi Falana Sani, Senator Shehu Sani and many others across political and regional divides.
“Mazi Nnamdi Kanu remains in custody today because of his work to address Nigeria’s long-standing marginalization. Like other ethnic and regional activists whose politically motivated cases have been withdrawn or dismissed, Nnamdi Kanu should be released immediately.”
“I again call on all political, cultural, ethnic and religious leaders across Nigeria to join this noble cause. I particularly invite my brothers and sisters from the South-East, Mr. Peter Obi, Charles Chukwuma Soludo, Alex Koti, Francis · Nwefuru, Peter Mba, Hope Uzodinma, Obiageli Ezekwesili, John Mbatha of Ohanize Ndigbo and Nigerians of conscience around the world, make their voices heard and call for justice and freedom.”
He concluded: “Nnamdi Kanu should be released. I remain firmly committed to peaceful mobilization for justice and freedom in this matter.”
The meeting comes as calls for Kanu’s unconditional release grow, with Sowore planning to hold a #FreeNnamdiKanu peaceful march to the presidential villa on October 20.
