A coalition of Northern Nigerian youths has described the prolonged detention of the leader of the Indigenous People of Baifra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu by the Department of State Security (DSS) and the Federal Government as a threat to the unity of Nigeria.
The youths under the aegis of Arewa Take-It-Back Movement (ATIB) also called for the immediate release of the IPOB leader.
In a statement signed by Nazif Bashi, the lead coordinator of the group, the ATIB declared its total support for the ongoing Omoyele Sowore-led #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest taking place in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city.
According to Bashi, the ATIB decided to throw its weight behind the call for Kanu’s release after the group reflected on the collective call for justice and respect for the rule of law in the matter.
He also warned the police and other security operatives against the perceived suppression of protesters who have taken to the street of the capital city to protest Kanu’s detention.
“This is not an Igbo issue; it is a national crisis that endangers every Nigerian’s liberty. The injustice faced by Mazi Kanu mirrors the silencing of citizens in Plateau, Benue, Southern Kaduna, and Borno, and the growing misuse of the Cybercrimes Act to suppress dissent,” Bashi said.
Also commending Sowore and the Take-It-Back Movement for taking the lead to demand Kanu’s release, Bashi said the protesters through this move is fostering a united campaign for justice in Nigeria.
He described the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest as a peaceful march which serves as a moral duty for the demand of accountability from President Bola Tinubu and the relevant agencies.
He also said it is important that Kanu is released in compliance with all law and granted access to medical needed treatment.
“To the federal government and security agencies: honour the courts, uphold the Constitution, and permit peaceful assembly,” he added.
