Stop Begging for My Release, Self-Determination is Not a Crime – Nnamdi Kanu

Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has made a bold statement, urging those pleading for his release to stop. Instead, he asks that they focus on advocating for the right to self-determination, which he believes is guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution and international law.

Kanu maintains that he hasn’t committed any crime, and his detention is unconstitutional and unlawful. He appreciates the efforts of well-meaning Nigerians but emphasizes that his release should not be seen as an act of pardon or mercy. Rather, the Federal Government should comply with the court judgment that declared his detention unlawful.

Kanu’s statement highlights the importance of upholding the rule of law and respecting the rights of individuals and groups to self-determination. He encourages those who support him to emulate the approach of organizations like Afenifere, Ohanaeze, and the World Igbo Congress, which have advocated for his release based on the principle that he has committed no offense known to law.

“In as much as those calling for his release are sincere, their calls for pardon or clemency may be misconstrued as a green light to the executive branch or even the courts to violate the rule of law by continuing to subject Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to a prosecution or trial that does not comport with the tenets of the constitution and Nigeria’s treaty obligations.

“Instead of begging, those desiring his release should emulate the language and tact used by Afenifere, Ohanaeze, World Igbo Congress, ranking members of the National Assembly, American Military Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID), Ambassadors for Self Determination (based in America), the international community and a host of others who have made it clear that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu deserves to be released because he has committed no offence known to law.

“If truth be told, it is Nigeria’s executive branch which extraordinarily renditioned Mazi Nnamdi Kanu that should show contrition for resorting to extraordinary rendition which is a state crime under international law and and the common law.

“If any begging must be done, it should be directed to the courts to conduct his cases and that of IPOB with the utmost impartiality and adherence to the rule of law, equity and good conscience.

“Most importantly, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu sincerely thanks everyone working assiduously towards the restoration of security, tranquility and good order in his beloved Igboland,” the statement said.

Ultimately, Kanu’s message is one of resilience and determination, as he thanks those working towards restoring security and tranquility in Igboland.