Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
American Congressman, Jarvis Johnson, has called for the urgent intervention of the US Government against the impunity of Nigeria Government against agitators of self- determination particularly the Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, who has been illegally held against various court orders.
Rep Johnson argued that the continued detention of Kanu is a violation of his fundamental human rights, adding that the US as a global defender of democracy cannot gloss over such impunity.
The congressman representing the State of Texas accused the Nigeria Government of carrying out genocide against its own citizens.
Arguing that Kanu committed no crime by demanding a referendum for the freedom of his oppressed people, Rep Johnson said Nigeria should not be allowed to get away with the violation of international laws as well as her own court judgments.
The statement obtained by Ikengaonline read in part: “Mazi Kanu’s only offence is that he is the leading advocate for the freedom of all oppressed Nigerians, and for a referendum on the Biafran issue. The right of free speech including political advocacy is a cornerstone of all democracies.
“At a time when democracy is threatened globally, it is imperative that we all join hands to protect Mazi Kanu’s right of freedom of speech.
“The illegal kidnapping, torture, and solitary confinement of Mazi Kanu offends our democratic norms. So does the willful disobedience of the judgments of its own courts by the Nigerian government.”
Rep Johnson demanded Kanu’s immediate and unconditional release in compliance with the UN Opinion on him as well as many court judgments in his favour.
“I am demanding for the immediate release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. The Government of Nigeria needs to comply with the UN Mandate and the Orders of its own Courts.
“The Nigerian government is carrying out another form of genocide, one citizen at a time. I am calling on the American Government to get involved to stop this genocide.
“We have protected other countries around this world to help vulnerable populations; we need to do the same for Nigeria and it’s Biafran citizens.”
Rep Johnson described Kanu “as the foremost Freedom Fighter for the rights of oppressed people in Nigeria,” insisting that he should not be allowed to die in detention.
He raised concern over his failing health condition, warning he might die in detention if nothing urgent is done to rescue him.
The statement further read: “For over 19 months, after he was kidnapped in Kenya, tortured, and illegally taken to Nigeria, he has been in solitary confinement. In July 2022, a United Nations Working Group, after its deliberations on his matter, called for his unconditional release. The Nigerian Government has not complied.
“In October 22, several Nigerian trial and Appeal courts, acquitted and discharged him of all the bogus charges levied against him by the Nigerian government.
“The Nigerian Government has refused to obey the orders of its own courts, and Mazi Nnamdi Kanu remains in solitary confinement enforced by its Secret Police.
“Mazi Kanu’s health conditions have been ignored by Nigeria’s Secret Police. He has been denied access to his doctors and to the regular supply of his medications. His health has increasingly deteriorated, and it is now feared that he may die in solitary confinement.”
He cautioned the Nigerian Government to weigh the implications of its continued violation of international laws and citizens’ fundamental rights.
