…Says their docility delaying IPOB leader’s release
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Worried over the continued detention of their son, the family of the Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has written an open letter to South-East Governors, urging them to act fast to avoid his death in custody.
The family in an emotion-laden letter signed by Prince Emmanuel Kanu, alleged that the failure of the South-East Governors to come together as a people to demand Kanu’s release, was the reason behind his continued incarceration.
According to Kanu’s family, if the Governors should jettison their political differences and opinions, and unite as a force, engage the Federal Government over the IPOB Leader’s ordeals, he would have since been released.
The family said that Kanu “is gravely ill,” and could die in custody if no urgent steps were initiated to release and give him adequate medical attention.
Kanu’s family said that South-East Governors should be ready to take responsibility for what happens to him should they fail to press for his unconditional release, arguing that his arrest and continued detention were politically motivated and aimed at suppressing his voice as a freedom fighter.
The family insisted that Kanu is only a prisoner of conscience as he committed no crime by seeking justice for the marginalisation people of Biafra.
The family wondered why the Federal Government had continued to release terrorists under the guise that they had repented but failed to release his brother whose crime was challenging the injustice against Biafrans.
According to the family, the unwillingness of the Governors to demand Kanu’s release is borne out of their selfish assumption that he would be too influential outside custody.
The family regretted that most of the Governors hypocritically pretend to be demanding his release in the open, but work against him in the secret.
Below is a full text of the open letter:
“Subject: Unlawful Detention of Mazi Nnamdi kanu Prisoner of Conscience
Open letter to the governors
“I am writing this letter with utmost urgency and deep concern regarding the unlawful and unjust detention of my brother Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. In recent events, it has become abundantly clear that my brother, a law-abiding citizen and a prisoner of conscience, has been wrongfully held against his will and his fundamental human rights have been violated under your watch . As a concerned family member, I implore you to rectify this grave injustice without delay.
“Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is a man of impeccable character and a strong advocate for justice, freedom, and equality. He has consistently stood up for the righteous causes in our society, challenging the status quo and working tirelessly to bring about positive change. It is truly disheartening to witness his unwavering commitment to safeguarding human rights being met with such callousness and disregard for basic principles of justice.
“The details surrounding my brother’s arrest and subsequent detention are deeply troubling and indicative of a systemic failure within our justice system. The charges brought against him are baseless and appear to be nothing more than an attempt to silence his voice and undermine his campaign for social justice. It is clear that his detention is politically motivated, solely aimed at suppressing his activism and preventing him from continuing his valuable contribution to our society.
“As a concerned family member, I strongly condemn the unlawful detention of my brother and the blatant violation of his rights. It is your duty as the Governor to ensure the protection of every individual’s civil liberties, regardless of their beliefs or affiliations. Your obligation to uphold the principles of justice and fairness should guide your actions in every decision made.
“I demand that you take immediate and decisive action to secure the release of my brother. I call for a thorough and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his arrest and detention, holding accountable those responsible for these egregious violations. Furthermore, I urge you to ensure that all charges against him are dropped, as they lack any substantiated evidence.
“By allowing this flagrant violation of human rights to persist, your offices are complicit in the suppression of justice. Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is gravely ill and dying slowly. Biafra land will hold you all accountable should anything happen to him.”
