Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Jewish worshipers from seven Igbo-speaking states, on Thursday, stormed Umuahia to pray for the unconditional release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPoB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Their action comes just two days after Igbo elders staged a peaceful protest in front of the Abia Government House, also demanding Kanu’s freedom.
Kanu has been in detention at the Abuja headquarters of the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 2021, following his extraordinary rendition from Kenya.
The worshipers, who turned out in large numbers with women and children, later held a solidarity rally in Kanu’s honour. They called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to heed the growing appeals from across the country and release the IPOB leader.
They also urged Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, to work with his South-East counterparts to collectively prevail on the President to free Kanu, arguing that a united front by the governors would compel Tinubu to act.
The Judaism adherents further prayed for “a return to normalcy in communities ravaged by Fulani herdsmen and bandit attacks.”
Displaying placards to press home their demands, the protesters carried inscriptions such as: “Free Nnamdi Kanu, he committed no crime known to the law,” “Eastern Judaism calls for release of Nnamdi Kanu from DSS detention,” “Obey court order, Tinubu,” and “Free Nnamdi Kanu.”
They maintained that Kanu had committed no offence to warrant his continued detention and urged President Tinubu to consider his release as a necessary step toward national unity.
Speaking on behalf of the worshipers, the Deputy National Rabbi of Biafra land, Rabbi Okezie Anosike, insisted that Kanu should be treated like Yoruba nation agitator, Sunday Igboho.
“What Kanu is demanding is not different from what Sunday Igboho is demanding for the Yoruba nation, and yet Igboho is free,” he said.
He continued: “We ask President Tinubu to set Kanu free. We ask Governor Otti to do all in his power to bring freedom to Kanu.”
Citing Kanu’s deteriorating health, Anosike warned of the consequences of further delay in releasing him.
Similarly, Ofuji Ekhad, who led the Anambra delegation, argued that Kanu committed no crime by agitating for self-determination.
“There is nothing abnormal in Kanu’s demand for a sovereign state of Biafra,” he said, stressing that self-determination is a universally recognised right.
Elder Shahum Ogu from Imo State urged political leaders linked to Kanu’s travails to “have a change of heart and work for his release.”
He described Kanu as “a prophet, a messenger of God who advocates justice, equity, and people’s rights,” adding that President Tinubu has nothing to lose by setting him free.
Also speaking, the Women Leader of the Eastern Judaism and Jewish Community, Mrs. Ugochinyere Onuoha, appealed to President Tinubu not to allow Kanu to die in detention.
“We are asking for Kanu’s freedom and asking God to deliver him from the ordeal he is facing,” she said.
Meanwhile, 12-year-old Michael Ndubuisi from Enugu State went emotional while pleading that President Tinubu should not allow Kanu, who he said is also a Jewish worshiper, to die in custody.
